Details for Patent: 6,054,441

Title:	Oxypurine nucleosides and their congeners, and acyl derivatives thereof, for improvement of hematopoiesis
Abstract:	The invention relates to certain oxypurine nucleosides, congeners of such oxypurine nucleosides, and acyl derivatives thereof, and compositions which contain at least one of these compounds. The invention also relates to methods of treating or preventing hematopoietic disorders and modifying hematopoiesis, and treating or preventing inflammatory diseases and bacterial infections by administering a compound or composition of the present invention to an animal.
Inventor(s):	von Borstel; Reid W. (Potomac, MD), Bamat; Michael K. (Potomac, MD), Hiltbrand; Bradley M. (Columbia, MD), Butler; James C. (Gaithersburg, MD), Shirali; Shyam (Gaithersburg, MD)
Assignee:	Pro-Neuron, Inc. (Rockville, MD)
Filing Date:	Jun 05, 1995
Application Number:	08/463,790
Claims:	1. A compound having the formula ##STR29## wherein R.sub.A, R.sub.B, and R.sub.D are the same, or different, and are hydrogen or I. an acyl group derived from a. an unbranched fatty acid with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, b. an amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine, the L forms of alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, proline, hydroxyproline, serine, threonine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, lysine, histidine and ornithine, c. a dicarboxylic acid having 3-22 carbon atoms, d. a cycloalkyl carboxylic acid containing 4 to 22 carbon atoms, e. a carboxylic acid derived from i. a polymer of ethylene glycol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.3, or ii. a polymer of vinyl alcohol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH ).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n CH.sub.3, where m=0-3 and n=2-8, or II. an unbranched alkyl radical with 3 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, or III. an acyl group derived from a. an alkylphosphonic or alkylsulfonic acid, or b. an alkyl phosphate or alkyl sulfate, provided that not all of R.sub.A, R.sub.B, and R.sub.D are hydrogen; and R.sub.C is hydrogen or I. an acyl group derived from a. an unbranched fatty acid with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, b. an amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine, the L forms of phenylalanine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, proline, hydroxyproline, serine, threonine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, lysine, histidine and ornithine, c. a dicarboxylic acid having 3-22 carbon atoms, d. a cycloalkyl carboxylic acid containing 4 to 22 carbon atoms, e. a nicotinic acid, or f. a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic carboxylic acid with 7 to 22 carbon atoms, g. a carboxylic acid derived from i. a polymer of ethylene glycol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.3, or ii. a polymer of vinyl alcohol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n CH.sub.3, where m=0-3 and n=2-8, or II. an unbranched alkyl radical with 3 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, and J=H or NHR.sub.r where R.sub.r is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 2. A compound having the formula ##STR30## wherein R.sub.A is hydrogen or I. an acyl group derived from a. an unbranched fatty acid with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, b. a dicarboxylic acid having 3-22 carbon atoms, c. nicotinic acid or d. a cycloalkyl carboxylic acid containing 4 to 22 carbon atoms; and e. a carboxylic acid derived from i. a polymer of ethylene glycol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.3, or ii. a polymer of vinyl alcohol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n CH.sub.3, where m=0-3 and n=2-8, or II. an unbranched alkyl radical with 3 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, or III. an acyl group derived from a. an alkylphosphonic or alkylsulfonic acid, or b. an alkyl phosphate or alkyl sulfate, wherein R.sub.B and/or R.sub.D are hydrogen or I. an acyl group derived from a. an unbranched fatty acid with 3 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, b. an amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine, the L forms of phenylalanine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, proline, hydroxyproline, serine, threonine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, lysine, histidine and ornithine, c. a dicarboxylic acid having 3-22 carbon atoms, d. nicotinic acid or e. a cycloalkyl carboxylic acid containing 4 to 22 carbon atoms, f. a carboxylic acid derived from i. a polymer of ethylene glycol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.3, or ii. a polymer of vinyl alcohol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n CH.sub.3, where m=0-3 and n=2-8, or II. an unbranched alkyl radical with 3 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, or III. an acyl group derived from a. an alkylphosphonic or alkylsulfonic acid, or b. an alkyl phosphate or alkyl sulfate, provided that not all of R.sub.A, R.sub.B, and R.sub.D are hydrogen, and Q=H, a halogen, NHR.sub.F where R.sub.F is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, S divalently bound to the carbon in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, SR.sub.G where R.sub.G is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, O divalently bound to the carbon, in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, or OR.sub.H where R.sub.H is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 3. A compound having the formula ##STR31## wherein R.sub.A, R.sub.B, and R.sub.D are the same, or different, and are hydrogen or I. an acyl group derived from a. an unbranched fatty acid with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, b. an amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine, the L forms of phenylalanine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, proline, hydroxyproline, serine, threonine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, lysine, histidine and ornithine, c. a dicarboxylic acid having 3-22 carbon atoms, d. nicotinic acid or e. a cycloalkyl carboxylic acid containing 4 to 22 carbon atoms, f. a carboxylic acid derived from i. a polymer of ethylene glycol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.3, or ii. a polymer of vinyl alcohol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n CH.sub.3, where m=0-3 and n=2-8, or II. an unbranched alkyl radical with 3 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, or III. an acyl group derived from a. an alkylphosphonic or alkylsulfonic acid, or b. an alkyl phosphate or alkyl sulfate, provided that not all of R.sub.A, R.sub.B, and R.sub.D are hydrogen, and Q=H, a halogen, NHR.sub.F where R.sub.F is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, S divalently bound to the carbon in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, SR.sub.G where R.sub.G is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, O divalently bound to the carbon, in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, or OR.sub.H where R.sub.H is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 4. A compound having the formula ##STR32## wherein R.sub.A and R.sub.B are the same, or different, and are hydrogen or I. an acyl group derived from a. an unbranched fatty acid with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, b. an amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine, the L forms of phenylalanine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, proline, hydroxyproline, serine, threonine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, lysine, histidine and ornithine, c. a dicarboxylic acid having 3-22 carbon atoms, d. nicotinic acid or e. a cycloalkyl carboxylic acid containing 4 to 22 carbon atoms, f. a carboxylic acid derived from i. a polymer of ethylene glycol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.3, or ii. a polymer of vinyl alcohol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n CH.sub.3, where m=0-3 and n=2-8, or II. an unbranched alkyl radical with 3 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, or III. an acyl group derived from a. an alkylphosphonic or alkylsulfonic acid, or b. an alkyl phosphate or alkyl sulfate, provided that at least one of R.sub.A and R.sub.B is not hydrogen, and Q=H, a halogen, NHR.sub.F where R.sub.F is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, S divalently bound to the carbon in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, SR.sub.G where R.sub.G is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, O divalently bound to the carbon, in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, or OR.sub.H where R.sub.H is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 5. A compound having the formula: ##STR33## wherein R.sub.A and R.sub.B may be the same or different, and each is hydrogen or I. an acyl group derived from a. an unbranched fatty acid with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, b. an amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine, the L forms of alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, proline, hydroxyproline, serine, threonine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, lysine, histidine, phenylalanine, and ornithine, c. a dicarboxylic acid having 3-22 carbon atoms, d. a cycloalkyl carboxylic acid containing 4 to 22 carbon atoms, e. nicotinic acid f. a carboxylic acid derived from i. a polymer of ethylene glycol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.3, or ii. a polymer of vinyl alcohol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n CH.sub.3, or II. an unbranched alkyl radical with 3 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, or III. an acyl group derived from a. an alkylphosphonic or alkylsulfonic acid, or b. an alkyl phosphate or alkyl sulfate, provided that not both of R.sub.A and R.sub.B are hydrogen; and R.sub.C is hydrogen or I. an acyl group derived from a. an unbranched fatty acid with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, b. an amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine, the L forms of phenylalanine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, proline, hydroxyproline, serine, threonine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, lysine, histidine and ornithine, c. a dicarboxylic acid having 3-22 carbon atoms, d. a cycloalkyl carboxylic acid containing 4 to 22 carbon atoms, e. a nicotinic acid, or f. a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic carboxylic acid with 7 to 22 carbon atoms, g. a carboxylic acid derived from i. a polymer of ethylene glycol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.3, or ii. a polymer of vinyl alcohol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n CH.sub.3, where m=0-3 and n=2-8, or II. an unbranched alkyl radical with 3 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, and where R.sub.C is not H, then R.sub.A and/or R.sub.B may also be acetyl, and J=NHR.sub.r where R.sub.r is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 6. A compound having the formula: ##STR34## wherein R.sub.A and R.sub.B are the same, or different, and are hydrogen or I. an acyl group derived from a. an unbranched fatty acid with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, b. an amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine, the L forms of phenylalanine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, proline, hydroxyproline, serine, threonine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, lysine, histidine and ornithine, c. a dicarboxylic acid having 3-22 carbon atoms, d. nicotinic acid or e. a cycloalkyl carboxylic acid containing 4 to 22 carbon atoms, f. a carboxylic acid derived from i. a polymer of ethylene glycol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.3, or ii. a polymer of vinyl alcohol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n CH.sub.3, where m=0-3 and n=2-8, or II. an unbranched alkyl radical with 3 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, or III. an acyl group derived from a. an alkylphosphonic or alkylsulfonic acid, or b. an alkyl phosphate or alkyl sulfate, provided that at least one of R.sub.A and R.sub.B is not hydrogen, and Q=H, a halogen, NHR.sub.F where R.sub.F is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, S divalently bound to the carbon in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, SR.sub.G where R.sub.G is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, O divalently bound to the carbon, in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, or OR.sub.H where R.sub.H is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 7. A pharmaceutical compound selected from one of the groups of compounds having the formulae: ##STR35## wherein R.sub.A, R.sub.B, and R.sub.D are the same, or different, and are hydrogen or I. an acyl group derived from a. an unbranched fatty acid with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, b. an amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine, the L forms of alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, proline, hydroxyproline, serine, threonine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, lysine, histidine and ornithine, c. a dicarboxylic acid having 3-22 carbon atoms, d. a cycloalkyl carboxylic acid containing 4 to 22 carbon atoms, e. a carboxylic acid derived from i. a polymer of ethylene glycol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.3, or ii. a polymer of vinyl alcohol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n CH.sub.3, where m=0-3 and n=2-8, or II. an unbranched alkyl radical with 3 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, or III. an acyl group derived from a. an alkylphosphonic or alkylsulfonic acid, or b. an alkyl phosphate or alkyl sulfate, provided that not all of R.sub.A, R.sub.B, and R.sub.D are hydrogen; and R.sub.C is hydrogen or I. an acyl group derived from a. an unbranched fatty acid with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, b. an amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine, the L forms of phenylalanine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, proline, hydroxyproline, serine, threonine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, lysine, histidine and ornithine, c. a dicarboxylic acid having 3-22 carbon atoms, d. a cycloalkyl carboxylic acid containing 4 to 22 carbon atoms, e. a nicotinic acid, or f. a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic carboxylic acid with 7 to 22 carbon atoms, g. a carboxylic acid derived from i. a polymer of ethylene glycol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.3, or ii. a polymer of vinyl alcohol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n CH.sub.3, where m=0-3 and n=2-8, or II. an unbranched alkyl radical with 3 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, and J=H or NHR.sub.r where R.sub.r is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; ##STR36## wherein R.sub.A is hydrogen or I. an acyl group derived from a. an unbranched fatty acid with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, b. a dicarboxylic acid having 3-22 carbon atoms, c. nicotinic acid or d. a cycloalkyl carboxylic acid containing 4 to 22 carbon atoms; and e. a carboxylic acid derived from i. a polymer of ethylene glycol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.3, or ii. a polymer of vinyl alcohol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n CH.sub.3, where m=0-3 and n=2-8, or II. an unbranched alkyl radical with 3 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, or III. an acyl group derived from a. an alkylphosphonic or alkylsulfonic acid, or b. an alkyl phosphate or alkyl sulfate, wherein R.sub.B and/or R.sub.D are hydrogen or I. an acyl group derived from a. an unbranched fatty acid with 3 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, b. an amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine, the L forms of phenylalanine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, proline, hydroxyproline, serine, threonine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, lysine, histidine and ornithine, c. a dicarboxylic acid having 3-22 carbon atoms, d. nicotinic acid or e. a cycloalkyl carboxylic acid containing 4 to 22 carbon atoms, f. a carboxylic acid derived from i. a polymer of ethylene glycol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.3, or ii. a polymer of vinyl alcohol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n CH.sub.3, where m=0-3 and n=2-8, or II. an unbranched alkyl radical with 3 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, or III. an acyl group derived from a. an alkylphosphonic or alkylsulfonic acid, or b. an alkyl phosphate or alkyl sulfate, provided that not all of R.sub.A, R.sub.B, and R.sub.D are hydrogen, and Q=H, a halogen, NHR.sub.F where R.sub.F is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, S divalently bound to the carbon in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, SR.sub.G where R.sub.G is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, O divalently bound to the carbon, in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, or OR.sub.H where R.sub.H is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; ##STR37## wherein R.sub.A, R.sub.B, and R.sub.D are the same, or different, and are hydrogen or I. an acyl group derived from a. an unbranched fatty acid with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, b. an amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine, the L forms of phenylalanine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, proline, hydroxyproline, serine, threonine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, lysine, histidine and ornithine, c. a dicarboxylic acid having 3-22 carbon atoms, d. nicotinic acid or e. a cycloalkyl carboxylic acid containing 4 to 22 carbon atoms, f. a carboxylic acid derived from i. a polymer of ethylene glycol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.3, or ii. a polymer of vinyl alcohol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n CH.sub.3, where m=0-3 and n=2-8, or II. an unbranched alkyl radical with 3 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, or III. an acyl group derived from a. an alkylphosphonic or alkylsulfonic acid, or b. an alkyl phosphate or alkyl sulfate, provided that not all of R.sub.A, R.sub.B, and R.sub.D are hydrogen, and Q=H, a halogen, NHR.sub.F where R.sub.F is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, S divalently bound to the carbon in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, SR.sub.G where R.sub.G is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, O divalently bound to the carbon, in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, or OR.sub.H where R.sub.H is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; ##STR38## wherein R.sub.A and R.sub.B are the same, or different, and are hydrogen or I. an acyl group derived from a. an unbranched fatty acid with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, b. an amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine, the L forms of phenylalanine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, proline, hydroxyproline, serine, threonine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, lysine, histidine and ornithine, c. a dicarboxylic acid having 3-22 carbon atoms, d. nicotinic acid or e. a cycloalkyl carboxylic acid containing 4 to 22 carbon atoms, f. a carboxylic acid derived from i. a polymer of ethylene glycol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.3, or ii. a polymer of vinyl alcohol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n CH.sub.3, where m=0-3 and n=2-8, or II. an unbranched alkyl radical with 3 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, or III. an acyl group derived from a. an alkylphosphonic or alkylsulfonic acid, or b. an alkyl phosphate or alkyl sulfate, provided that at least one of R.sub.A and R.sub.B is not hydrogen, and Q=H, a halogen, NHR.sub.F where R.sub.F is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, S divalently bound to the carbon in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, SR.sub.G where R.sub.G is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, O divalently bound to the carbon, in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, or OR.sub.H where R.sub.H is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; ##STR39## wherein R.sub.A and R.sub.B may be the same or different, and each is hydrogen or I. an acyl group derived from a. an unbranched fatty acid with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, b. an amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine, the L forms of alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, proline, hydroxyproline, serine, threonine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, lysine, histidine, phenylalanine, and ornithine, c. a dicarboxylic acid having 3-22 carbon atoms, d. a cycloalkyl carboxylic acid containing 4 to 22 carbon atoms, e. nicotinic acid f. a carboxylic acid derived from i. a polymer of ethylene glycol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.3, or ii. a polymer of vinyl alcohol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n CH.sub.3, or II. an unbranched alkyl radical with 3 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, or III. an acyl group derived from a. an alkylphosphonic or alkylsulfonic acid, or b. an alkyl phosphate or alkyl sulfate, provided that not both of R.sub.A and R.sub.B are hydrogen; and R.sub.C is hydrogen or I. an acyl group derived from a. an unbranched fatty acid with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, b. an amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine, the L forms of phenylalanine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, proline, hydroxyproline, serine, threonine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, lysine, histidine and ornithine, c. a dicarboxylic acid having 3-22 carbon atoms, d. a cycloalkyl carboxylic acid containing 4 to 22 carbon atoms, e. a nicotinic acid, or f. a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic carboxylic acid with 7 to 22 carbon atoms, g. a carboxylic acid derived from i. a polymer of ethylene glycol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.3, or ii. a polymer of vinyl alcohol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n CH.sub.3, where m=0-3 and n=2-8, or II. an unbranched alkyl radical with 3 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, and where R.sub.C is not H, then R.sub.A and/or R.sub.B may also be acetyl, and J=H or NHR.sub.r where R.sub.r is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; ##STR40## wherein R.sub.A and R.sub.B are the same, or different, and are hydrogen or I. an acyl group derived from a. an unbranched fatty acid with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, b. an amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine, the L forms of phenylalanine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, proline, hydroxyproline, serine, threonine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, lysine, histidine and ornithine, c. a dicarboxylic acid having 3-22 carbon atoms, d. nicotinic acid or e. a cycloalkyl carboxylic acid containing 4 to 22 carbon atoms, f. a carboxylic acid derived from i. a polymer of ethylene glycol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.3, or ii. a polymer of vinyl alcohol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n CH.sub.3, where m=0-3 and n=2-8, or II. an unbranched alkyl radical with 3 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, or III. an acyl group derived from a. an alkylphosphonic or alkylsulfonic acid, or b. an alkyl phosphate or alkyl sulfate, provided that at least one of R.sub.A and R.sub.B is not hydrogen, and Q=H, a halogen, NHR.sub.F where R.sub.F is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, S divalently bound to the carbon in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, SR.sub.G where R.sub.G is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, O divalently bound to the carbon, in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, or OR.sub.H where R.sub.H is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; ##STR41## wherein R.sub.A, R.sub.B, and R.sub.D are the same, or different, and are hydrogen or I. an acyl group derived from a. an unbranched fatty acid with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, b. an amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine, the L forms of phenylalanine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, proline, hydroxyproline, serine, threonine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, lysine, histidine and ornithine, c. a dicarboxylic acid having 3-22 carbon atoms, d. nicotinic acid or e. a cycloalkyl carboxylic acid containing 4 to 22 carbon atoms, f. a carboxylic acid derived from i. a polymer of ethylene glycol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.3, or ii. a polymer of vinyl alcohol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH ).sub.n CH.sub.3, where m=0-3 and n=2-8, or II. an unbranched alkyl radical with 3 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, or III. an acyl group derived from a. an alkylphosphonic or alkylsulfonic acid, or b. an alkyl phosphate or alkyl sulfate, provided that not all of R.sub.A, R.sub.B, and R.sub.D are hydrogen, and Q=H, a halogen, NHR.sub.F where R.sub.F is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, S divalently bound to the carbon in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, SR.sub.G where R.sub.G is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, O divalently bound to the carbon, in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, or OR.sub.H where R.sub.H is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and Z is H, OH, .dbd.O, or NHR.sub.C where R.sub.C =H or an acyl radical of a carboxylic acid with 2 to 30 carbon atoms or an alkyl radical with 2 to 30 carbon atoms, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; ##STR42## wherein R.sub.C is hydrogen or an acyl group derived from i. an unbranched fatty acid with 6 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, ii. an amino acid selected from the group consisting of glycine, the L forms of phenylalanine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, tyrosine, proline, hydroxyproline, serine, threonine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, arginine, lysine, histidine and ornithine, iii. a dicarboxylic acid having 3-22 carbon atoms, iv. a cycloalkyl carboxylic acid containing 4 to 22 carbon atoms, v. a nicotinic acid, or vi. a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic carboxylic acid with 7 to 22 carbon atoms, vii. a carboxylic acid derived from 1. a polymer of ethylene glycol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.3, or 2. a polymer of vinyl alcohol with the structure HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n H or HOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.m --(CH.sub.2 CHOH).sub.n CH.sub.3, where m=0-3 and n=2-8, or viii. an unbranched alkyl radical with 3 to 22 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NH.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, PO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.-, SO.sub.3.sup.-, and Q=H, a halogen, NHR.sub.F where R.sub.F is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, S divalently bound to the carbon in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, SR.sub.G where R.sub.G is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, O divalently bound to the carbon, in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, or OR.sub.H where R.sub.H is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 8. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound as in claim 7 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 9. A pharmaceutical composition as in claim 8 in the form of a liquid, a suspension, an emulsion, a tablet, a dragee, an injectable solution, an injectable emulsion, a topical solution or a suppository. 10. A pharmaceutical composition as in claim 8 wherein said compound is present in from 0.1-99% by weight of said composition. 11. A pharmaceutical composition as in claim 8 in the form of a bioerodible matrix. 12. The pharmaceutical composition as recited in claim 11, wherein said bioerodible matrix comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of polylactate and a lactate-glycolate copolymer. 13. A pharmaceutical composition comprising: (a) one or more compounds having the formula ##STR43## R.sub.A =H or an acyl radical of a carboxylic, alkylphosphonic, or alkylsulfonic acid, an acyl radical of an alkyl phosphate or alkyl sulfate, or an alkyl radical, with 2 to 30 carbon atoms, and R.sub.B =H or an acyl radical of a carboxylic, alkylphosphonic, or alkylsulfonic acid, an acyl radical of an alkyl phosphate or alkyl sulfate, or an alkyl radical, with 2 to 30 carbon atoms, and Z=H, OH, .dbd.O, or NHR.sub.C where R.sub.C =H or an acyl radical of a carboxylic acid with 2 to 30 carbon atoms, or an alkyl radical with 2-30 carbon atoms, and L=H or OR.sub.D, where R.sub.D =H or an acyl radical of a carboxylic, alkylphosphonic, or alkylsulfonic acid, an acyl radical of an alkyl phosphate or alkyl sulfate, or an alkyl radical, with 2 to 30 carbon atoms, and M=H or OR.sub.E, where R.sub.E =H or an acyl radical of a carboxylic, alkylphosphonic, or alkylsulfonic acid, a radical of an alkyl phosphate or alkyl sulfate, or an alkyl radical, with 2 to 30 carbon atoms, with the proviso that at least one of L and M is H, and Q=H, a halogen, NHR.sub.F where R.sub.F is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, S divalently bound to the carbon in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, SR.sub.G where R.sub.G is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, O divalently bound to the carbon, in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, or OR.sub.H where R.sub.H is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, and the C--C bond between the 2' and 3' positions of the aldose moiety is optionally present, or, ##STR44## Z=NHR.sub.C where R.sub.C =H or an acyl radical of a carboxylic acid with 2 to 30 carbon atoms, or an alkyl radical with 2-30 carbon atoms, and Q=H, a halogen, NHR.sub.F where R.sub.F is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, S divalently bound to the carbon in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, SR.sub.G where R.sub.G is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, O divalently bound to the carbon, in which case the adjacent carbon-nitrogen double bond is a single bond and an H is then attached to that nitrogen, or OR.sub.H where R.sub.H is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 14. A pharmaceutical composition as in claim 13 in the form of a liquid, a suspension, an emulsion, a tablet, a dragee, an injectable solution, an injectable emulsion, a topical solution or a suppository. 15. A pharmaceutical composition as in claim 13 wherein said compound is present in from 0.1-99% by weight of said composition. 16. A pharmaceutical composition as in claim 13 in the form of liposomes. 17. A pharmaceutical composition as in claim 13 in the form of a bioerodible matrix. 18. The pharmaceutical composition as recited in claim 17, wherein said bioerodible matrix comprises a polymer selected from the group consisting of polylactate and a lactate-glycolate copolymer. 19. A compound having the formula: ##STR45## wherein R.sub.A, R.sub.B and R.sub.C may be the same or different, and each is an acyl group derived from an unbranched fatty acid with 12 or 18 carbon atoms, optionally substituted at the terminal carbon with a hydrophilic moiety selected from the group consisting of NR.sub.2, OH, OPO.sub.3.sup.-, OSO.sub.3.sup.- and SO.sub.3.sup.- ; and J=H or NHR.sub.I where R.sub.I is H or an acyl or alkyl radical containing 1 to 10 carbon atoms; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. 20. A compound according to claim 19 wherein J is H. 21. A compound according to claim 20 which is 3',5'-O-N.sup.2 -tripalmitoyl-2'-deoxyguanosine.