Cytosolic phospholipase A2α (cPLA2α) specifically catalyzes the hydrolysis of arachidonic acid from thesn-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.1CAY10641 is an inactive alcohol derivative of a highly potent (IC50= 12 nM) cPLA2α inhibitor.2The 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.2CAY10641 is rapidly cleared from the blood stream (only 0.5 μg/ml remains 30 minutes after 10 mg/kg intravenous administration to mice).2However, no other biological effects have been reported.