New anti-inflammatory therapies for the treatment of COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) encompasses three different phenotypes, chronic severe asthma, chronic bronchitis and emphysema. Although COPD is currently treated with long-acting bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids, new therapies are needed that with acceptable safety profile will maintain pulmonary function over time, accompanied by reduced morbidity and mortality and improved quality of life. Several new therapies are presently under development for COPD, and those aiming to modify relatively new targets are discussed in this review.

Section editor:Martin Braddock – AstraZeneca R&D, Charnwood, Loughborough, UK