A compound represented by the formula:wherein A is an unbranched C4-C9 alkylene, R1-R5 are independently a hydrogen,C1-C4alkyl, C1-C4 alkoxy, C2-C4 alkenyl, halogen or hydroxy group, wherein at leastone of R1-R5 is methyl, methoxy, hydroxy or halogen, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesaltthereof, wherein said compound is not 8-[(2-hydroxyphenyl)thio]octanoic acid.Acomposition comprising: an active agent; and a compound as defined above. Useof thecomposition as defined above for orally administering a biologically-activeagent to ananimal in need of the agent, and a method for preparing said composition.