Drug treatment of airway inflammation in asthma

Several methods are available for assessing drug effects on airway inflamma tion and the antiinflammatory effects of drugs for asthma. Cromolyn and the ophylline are well-established drugs for the treatment of asthma, and each has antiinflammatory properties. Drugs in development include those aimed a t inhibiting inflammatory mediators and immunoglobulin E function; clinical studies, however, have been conducted largely in patients with moderate to severe asthma.