Treatment of Asthma: The long-acting beta-2-agonists

The traditional Vienna Asthma Forum was held in early June 1996 and th was the 6 in a biennial mode within 10 years. This time it was dedicated to the long-acting beta-2-agonists, which were registered (or just about to be) in most European countries. The introduction of this therapeutic principle into routine praxis of asthma therapy was so successful that a closer view on the subject from a scientific point was warranted. Salmeterol, shortly afterwards formo terol are the drugs available for the inhalative route, while bambuterol serves as an oral agent. The scientists particularly involved in the design and pharma cokinetics of these drugs were invited, and we were lucky that Malcolm Johnson (Glaxo), Leif Svensson (Astra) and Gary Anderson (Ciba Geigy) delivered fascinating contributions. However, drug therapy of this kind can only be effective if based on a thorough understanding of the molecular biology of cells and receptors, which was superbly covered by Sheila Collins (Durham) and Ian M. Adcock (London). The pediatric indications for beta-2-agonists were commented by Manfred G6tz (Vienna), and a large spectrum of clinical studies, reported by G. Boyd (Glasgow), A.P. Greening (Edinburgh), M.

Molecular regulation of the ?2-adrenergic receptor by long- and short-acting ?-agonists.- Molecular interactions between glucocorticoids and ?2-agonists.- Formoterol, a new long-acting ?2-agonist.- Development of the long-acting ?2-agonist, salmeterol.- Development of bambuterol; a long acting, orally active beta-agonist prodrug.- Development of ?2-receptors in infancy and childhood.- Long-acting beta-agonists in exercise induced asthma.- Salmeterol and oral steroid treatment.- Salmeterol and its relationship to treatment with inhaled corticosteroids.- Long term treatment with formoterol.- Comparison of efficiency of bambuterol and salmeterol.- The future of relievers and controllers in asthma therapy.