The invention relates to a method of inhibiting the production of ceramide-1-phosphate in a cell by delivering to the cell a ceramide kinase antagonist. The invention also relates to a method of treating a condition related to activation of phospholipase A2 in a subject by administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising a ceramide kinase antagonist. The invention further relates to the use of ceramide kinase in drug screening assays. The invention also encompasses compounds that inhibit the production of ceramide-1-phosphate by ceramide kinase.