Smoking-related lung disease: prospects for new drug therapy.
The first 2001 meeting of the Society for Medicines Research, held in London on March 14, was devoted to emerging treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, commonly referred to as smoking-related lung disease or COPD. As COPD afflicts more and more people around the world, the dual need for preventative measures and therapeutic approaches will also continue to grow. During this sobering yet inspiring symposium, researchers looked at compounds that are currently in phase III clinical studies; reactive oxidant species, proteases and neutrophil chemotactics as therapeutic targets; and finally, the potential of monoclonal antibodies and retinoids.
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National Heart and Lung Institute's Clinical Studies Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital, London, UK.