Soft drugs for future treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

: COPD is a major cause of chronic morbidity and mortality worldwide. Current treatment is aimed at symptomatic relief. In contrast to bronchial asthma, glucocorticoid treatment strategies have proved disappointing. Consequently, there is a need to develop more effective therapeutic strategies to replace present treatment. Advances in understanding the pathogenesis of COPD have the potential for identifying new therapeutic targets. Additionally, forgotten old compounds might undergo a revival by means of novel pharmaceutical technology.