Selective nonsteroidal glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonist for the treatment of experimental colitis with IC50 values of 20, 20, and 80 nM for GR, Progesterone (PR) and Mineralocorticoid (MR) receptors respectively. (+)-ZK 216348 shows antiinflammatory activity comparable to prednisolone for both systemic and topical application, with a significant dissociation between transrepression and transactivation of antiinflammatory effects both in vitro and in vivo.(+)-ZK 216348 showed no negative effects on intestinal epithelial migration or proliferation. (-)-ZK 216348 is completely inactive (IC50 >1000 nM for GR, PR, and MR.