Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, which are characterized by a progressive airflow limitation and chronic inflammation. Although COPD is a major cause of chronic morbidity and mortality throughout the world, its recognition as a public health problem has been neglected. The most important cause by far is cigarette smoking. Despite increasing insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms of COPD, there has been only a limited translation into effective pharmacotherapy. Inhaled anticholinergics remain the mainstay drugs in COPD management due to their capacity to alleviate symptoms, decrease exacerbations and improve quality of life. Future COPD therapy will be based on three drug classes: bronchodilators antiinflammatory drugs and possibly repair drugs. This review provides an overview on the status of drugs currently in clinical development for COPD.