Gemifloxacin offers various advantages over clarithromycin for the treatment of patients with acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis (AECB), according to data reported at the 22nd International Congress of Chemotherapy [Amsterdam, The Netherlands; July 2001]. Gemifloxacin was shown to be more cost effective both from a healthcare system and a societal perspective, and to have overall health outcome benefits. In addition, gemifloxacin produced a superior long-term clinical response in these patients.