The present invention relates (a) to new compounds represented by Formula
I: ##STR00001## wherein M represents a macrolide subunit (macrolide
moiety) derived from macrolide possessing the property of accumulation in
inflammatory cells, S represents a steroid subunit (steroid moiety)
derived from steroid drug with anti-inflammatory activity and L
represents a linker molecule linking M and S, (b) to their
pharmacologically acceptable salts, prodrugs and solvates, (c) to
processes and intermediates for their preparation, and (d) to their use
in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and conditions in humans and
animals. Such compounds inhibit many cytokines and immune mediators
involved in immune responses which cause inflammation, allergy, or
alloimmunity, including without limitation IL-1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 10, 12,
GMCSF, ICAM, and TNF-.alpha.. Importantly, anti-inflammatory steroids
exert a direct anti-inflammatory effect through binding to the
glucocorticosteroid receptor.