The presently disclosed subject matter provides derivatives of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are characterized by substantially reduced cyclooxygenase inhibiting activity, yet retain the ability to interact with and modulate the activities of other polypeptides such as the class of peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors (PPARs) and .gamma.-secretase. Also provided are methods of using the derivatives to treat pathological disorders.