p38 MAP kinase inhibitors: A future therapy for inflammatory diseases

p38 mitogen-activated kinase is a target for therapeutic intervention in inflammatory diseases. The pharmacology of p38 inhibitors is reviewed briefly, and potential other therapeutic targets in this important signaling pathway are outlined. The evaluation of p38 inhibitors in early clinical studies is reviewed with emphasis on pharmacodymanic assessment. Ex vivo and in vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenges have been successful in Phase I studies and will be of value in the early assessment of future p38 inhibitors.

Section editors:Claudine Bruck – GlaxoSmithKline, King of Prussia, USAMichel Goldman – University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium