The present invention relates to 2,8,9-substituted purines which inhibit the extracellular release of inflammatory cytokines, said cytokines responsible for one or more human or higher mammalian disease states. The present invention further relates to compositions comprising said 2,8,9-substituted purines and methods for preventing, abating, or otherwise controlling enzymes which are understood to be the active components responsible for the herein described disease states.