The present invention is generally drawn to novel isolated therapeutic
agents, termed resolvins, generated from the interaction between a
dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) such as
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA),
cyclooxygenase-II (COX-2) and an analgesic, such as aspirin (ASA).
Surprisingly, careful isolation of compounds generated from the
combination of components in an appropriate environment provide di- and
tri-hydroxy EPA or DHA compounds having unique structural and
physiological properties. The present invention therefore provides for
many new useful therapeutic di- or tri-hydroxy derivatives of EPA or DHA
(resolvins) that diminish, prevent, or eliminate inflammation or PMN
migration, for example. The present invention also provides methods of
use, methods of preparation, and packaged pharmaceuticals for use as
medicaments for the compounds disclosed throughout the specification.