A peptide corresponding to positions 62 71 of the sequence of human C-reactive protein (CRP) of the formula: Glu.sub.62-Ile-Leu-Ile-Phe-Trp-Ser-Lys-Asp-Ile.sub.71 and modifications thereof obtained by substitution, deletion, or addition of amino acids, amidation of the C-terminal or acylation of the N-terminal, are capable of inhibiting in vitro the enzymatic activity of human Leukocyte Elastase (hLE) and/or of human Cathepsin G (hCG) and can be used for the treatment of chronic inflammation conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, pulmonary emphysema, cystic fibrosis, bronchitis, asthma and some acute respiratory distress syndrome.