Ciclesonide [Alvesco] is as effective as fluticasone propionate in the treatment of asthma, according to studies presented at the 14th Annual Congress of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) [Glasgow, UK; September 2004]. Inhaled ciclesonide improved lung function, reduced the symptoms of asthma and reduced the need for rescue medication in children, adolescents and adults with asthma. Furthermore, ciclesonide can be administered once daily and appears to have minimal effects on cortisol levels, suggesting that ciclesonide is an inhaled corticosteroid offering improved compliance and tolerability.