The topical anti-inflammatory activity of 2-(2-hydroxy-4-methylphenyl)aminothiazole hydrochloride (CBS-113 A), a dual inhibitor of cyclooxygenase/lipoxygenase and a potent free radical scavenger was studied in rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and mice.When applied in eye drops (0.01-0.1% according the model used), the drug inhibited inflammation in exptl. conjunctivitis and uveitis induced by various procedures (e.g. paracentesis, endotoxin, S-antigen, albumin, Fe2+).The compound also inhibited leukocyte infiltration and histamine release when administered locally in the pleural cavity with carrageenan.CBS-113 A could decrease plasma leakage induced by arachidonic acid or platelet-activating factor in skin and airway, resp.However, it was devoid of any activity when administered by the systemic route.The compound appears as a potentially useful anti-inflammatory drug, in particular in ophthalmol. and as an alternative to glucocorticoids, since it does not present the side effects of these steroids (e.g., worsening of herpetic keratitis).