After structure-activity relationship studies on a novel class of substituted thiazolo(3,2-b)(1,2,4)triazin-7-ones, HWA-131 (3-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)-7H-thiazolo(3,2-b)(1,2,4)triazin-7-one) was selected for incremental pharmacol. investigations.This compound was effective in not only preventing, but also curing established arthritic disorders of rats such as adjuvant and type II collagen arthritis, as well as those of mice such as chronic graft-vs.-host disease, a model for systemic lupus erythematosus.Further, this non-immunosuppressive drug effectively inhibited the carrageenan-induced paw edema, attenuated the active Arthus reaction, and demonstrated antierythema as well as antipyretic activity.Part of the antiinflammatory effects of this new compound is most probably related to its antioxidative activity, as well as inhibition of lipoxygenase metabolites.HWA-131's good gastric tolerance may have to do with its limited ability to inhibit the production of cyclooxygenase metabolites.Thus, HWA-131 may be an effective nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agent, with immunomodulating properties, to combat human autoimmune disorders.