The present invention concerns a method for the treatment of inflammatory arthritis, and in particular rheumatoid arthritis, by administering to the subject specific low dosages of N6-(3-iodobenzyl)-adenosine 5'-N-methyl-uronamide (IB-MECA) and 2-chloro-N6-(3-iodobenzyl)-adenosine-5'-N-methyl-uronamide (CL-IB-MECA).