Pathogenesis of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - common diseases with unmet needs -- Beta 2 agonists -- Muscarinic receptor antagonists -- Xanthines and Phosphodiesterase inhibitors -- Glucocorticosteroids -- Fixed dose combination inhalers -- Anti-IgE and biologic approaches for the treatment of asthma -- Leukotriene receptor antagonists and anti-allergy drugs -- Novel anti-inflammatory drugs -- Bifunctional drugs for the treatment of respiratory diseases -- Drugs affecting TRP channels -- Evaluation of new drugs for asthma and COPD: endpoints, biomarkers and clinical trial design -- Drug delivery devices for inhaled medicines. .

The present volume is supposed to be a major reference resource for chest physicians and those involved in the development of novel pharmaceutical entities for these diseases. Internationally recognized authorities review the most important new information on the advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis and treatment of these diseases, including the substantial advances in the topical delivery of inhaled medicines. Each chapter is extensively referenced, generously illustrated with clear diagrams and photographs, and represents a state-of-the-art review of this important area of respiratory medicine.