Cytosolic phospholipase A2α (cPLAα) specifically catalyzes the hydrolysis of arachidonic acid from the sn-2-ester position of membrane phospholipids, playing a central role in initiating the synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, both important mediators of the inflammatory process. CAY10641 is an inactive alcohol derivative of a highly potent (IC = 12 nM) cPLAα inhibitor. The parent compound demonstrates strong anti-inflammatory effects when applied topically at a dose of 0.1 mg/ear in a mouse model of acute irritant contact dermatitis. CAY10641 is rapidly cleared from the blood stream (only 0.5 μg/ml remains 30 minutes after 10 mg/kg intravenous administration to mice). However, no other biological effects have been reported.