Welcome to this issue of European Respiratory Disease. This publication strives to address important advances and issues in the field of respiratory diseases, and the papers included have been selected for their significance and substance in this interesting and important area. The result is a collection of outstanding articles that discuss and review many of the important issues faced by respiratory specialists throughout Europe every day.

The rapidly expanding science of pathophysiology, biomarkers and drug discovery has long been held up by reliance on forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) as the primary outcome measure in both phase II and phase III clinical trials. In the absence of significant bronchodilator reversibility, physiological outcomes for new therapies based on anti-inflammatory properties have led to the early cessation of several promising avenues of therapy. Nevertheless, the role and utilisation of biomarkers to provide reassuring early markers of efficacy has yet to emerge. A structured approach that rises above enthusiasm and the availability of multiple test methodologies are needed. The engagement of clinicians, scientists, industry and, particularly, the regulatory authorities is needed if we are to take the next step forwards in drug development for chronic diseases. Meanwhile, there is still an important place for clinical studies that enhance our management of patients today.

This issue of European Respiratory Disease opens with features on asthma, examining prevention, control and management. The opening section provides updates on the diagnosis and treatment of asthma in both children and adults. There are interesting articles questioning the role of spirometry screening, and the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) section concludes by looking at the treatment of acute exacerbations. The increasing role of smoking cessation is also addressed, with pharmacological interventions and pharmacogenetic trials for the treatment of nicotine dependence both discussed in detail. The article on allergic rhinitis examines techniques and devices to manage grass-pollen-induced allergic rhinitis. The important areas of pleural disease and malignant pleural effusion are addressed, with articles on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of the respiratory disorder. Other key topics such as cystic fibrosis and pneumonia are also included, with particular focus on the role of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in cystic fibrosis. The section on pneumonia looks at the importance of prevention and treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia.

European Respiratory Disease would like to thank everyone involved in this issue for achieving such an insightful and thought-provoking collection of articles worthy of debate and attention. We would like to thank all organisations and media partners for their continued support, and also extend our gratitude to the individual authors for their time and effort, which has resulted in a selection of excellent articles. We trust you will find this issue an informative and enjoyable read.