For some years, international guidelines on the management of asthma have stressed the importance of early intervention with anti-inflammatory drugs to prevent acute asthma exacerbations and to avert chronic inflammatory damage to the airway. Introduced by a broad survey of the targets for anti-inflammatory drugs, this book proceeds to bring together the most recent research into the mechanisms and clinical benefits of presently available anti-inflammatory treatments including corticosteroids, cromones, and theophylline. For the first time, these drugs are discussed alongside the newly introduced leukotriene modifier drugs, and in the context of frontline research into anti-inflammatory drugs of the future. Leading authorities in their fields evaluate the prospects of novel anti-IgE agents and cytokine antagonists, and examine recent developments in immunosuppressant compounds, protease inhibitors, and selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors. This book is an up-to-date and authoritative survey which will be invaluable to university and pharmaceutical company researchers working on anti-asthma and anti-allergy drugs and to respiratory physicians keeping abreast of developments in their specialty.

Inhalt
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs in Asthma: The Pathophysiology of Asthma.- Corticosteroids.- Phosphodiesterases in Asthma.- ?2-Agonists.- Mast Cell Stabilizing Drugs.- Anti-Leukotriene Therapy for Asthma.- Immunomodulators.- Immunomodulators.- Mast Cell Proteases as New Targets for Therapeutic Intervention in Asthma.- Cytokine and Adhesion Molecule Antagonists.