The present invention relates to fatty acid analogues of the general formula R1-[xi-CH2]n—COOR2 and in particular to a method of treating inflammatory disorder selected from the group consisting of rheumatoid arthritis, systemic vasculitis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, dermatomyositis, and polymyositis; comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof, an effective amount of tetradecylthioaceticacid or tetradecylselenoacetic acid; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.