The present invention relates generally to compounds comprising a hydrocarbon chain portion and more particular to compounds comprising chemical derivatizations of the hydrocarbon chain which are useful therapeutic and prophylactic molecules. The present invention further provides compounds where the hydrocarbon chain portion is a carrier molecule for functional groups, moieties or agents. The compounds of the present invention are particularly useful in the treatment and prophylaxis of a range of conditions including cancers, protein kinase c(PKC)- or NFkB-related- or -associated conditions, cardiovascular conditions, pain, inflammatory conditions, vascular or immunological conditions such as diabetes, neurological conditions and infection by a range of viruses or prokaryotic or eukaryotic organisms. The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions and methods of medical treatment.