Biological agents in the therapy of sarcoidosis
Hot topicsChairs: M. Spiteri (Stoke-on-Trent, United Kingdom), R. P. Baughman (Cincinnati, United States of America)
Aims: Based on our current understanding of the immunopathogenesis of sarcoidosis, this symposium will give an update on latest developments in identifying alternative drugs to reduce steroid-related side-effects in sarcoidosis. Promising molecules are biological agents targeted on the selective inhibition of TNF-α, the major cytokine in the induction of granuloma formation. The results of a randomised, double blind trial with a TNF-α antagonist for chronic pulmonary sarcoidosis will be presented.