CURRENT, NEW, AND EMERGING ASTHMA THERAPIES

Pharmacotherapy remains the most common method for management of asthma. Numerous agents, including inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs), β agonists (short and long acting), leukotriene modulators, cromones, and, more recently , monoclonal antibodies, are used. Of these classes of therapy, ICSs remain the mainstay of treatment for persistent asthma according to various guidelines. This review focuses on the continuing role of ICSs as potent anti-inflammatory agents in the management of asthma. In addition, this article considers new and emerging therapies, including those that target immunoglobulin E/mast cells, cytokine antagonists, novel antiinflammatory targets, and vaccines. (Adv Stud Med. 2008;8(3):70-78)