The author presents a review of new pharmacotherapeutic procedures in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). In the introduction three basic findings are mentioned: a) the prevalence of spondylarthritis (among which AS is most frequent) is higher than formerly reported, b) the effect of AS on disability and quality of life is the same as in rheumatoid arthritis, c) among hitherto used procedures so far only exercise was effective and the administration of non-steroid antirheumatics, and in peripheral forms of AS sulfasalazine has a mild effect. Other DMARDs incl. MTX and corticosteroids are ineffective. A quite new quality into treatment of AS was introduced by TNF blockers. Infliximab and etanercept were more effective in double blind randomized controlled studies than placebo in peripheral as well as axial forms of AS. The effect was at least as great as in the indication of rheumatoid arthritis. Registration ofTNFblocking drugs for the indication inASmay be anticipated at the end of 2002. A quite different approach is the administration of intravenous pamidronate in AS. The first randomized controlled trial gave promising results.

        Key words: ankylosing spondylitis, therapy, TNF blocking