Recent advances in the development of anti-allergic drugs.

Research over the past decade has provided information concerning the onset and treatment of allergic diseases, including bronchial asthma, allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. Recent studies also indicated that allergic inflammation is the basic pathophysiology of allergic diseases and is closely associated with their progression and exacerbation. Our understanding of the mechanism of allergic inflammation with regard to therapeutic agents has improved as a result of immunological and molecular biological studies. While much effort has been paid to developing a new anti-allergic drug, allergic disease has yet to be completely conquered. More extensive research will allow the development of new therapeutics to combat allergic diseases. This article provides an overview of recent advances in the development of anti-allergic drugs.