DRUG DEVELOPMENT IN INFLAMMATORY BOWEL-DISEASE - BUDESONIDE - A MODELOF TARGETED THERAPY

The use of non-specific anti-inflammatory drugs such as the glucocorti coids is the foundation of medical therapy for inflammatory bowel dise ase, Although conventional steroid drugs are highly effective, their u se is associated with the adverse effects of Cushing's syndrome. Howev er, the therapeutic index of these drugs can be improved by chemical m odification of the steroid nucleus and the use of new drug delivery sy stems that target the bowel wall as the pharmacokinetic compartment of interest. Budesonide is a novel glucocorticoid compound that illustra tes the potential of this approach to identify effective and safe new treatments. Regional therapy for inflammatory bowel disease is an impo rtant pharmacological concept for the future development of the new gl ucocorticoids and other classes of drugs.