Newer glucocorticoids: Overcoming mechanistic hurdles

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are used in the management of inflammatory disorders such as allergies, asthma, sepsis and several autoimmune diseases including of skin, bowel and joints. Recently the concerns regarding the safety of GCs have resulted in their renewed appraisal. Recognition of GC resistance has also contributed to the drive of the development of new technologies to utilise the GCs better. Use of the knowledge about mechanisms of action of GCs to overcome the undesirable effects has resulted in newer GC molecules, novel drug delivery systems and novel drug combinations which hold promise for the optimum use of GCs in future.