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.

InhaltsangabeMolecular 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.

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