With the growing interest in the pathophysiology of purinergic signalling in many different systems in the body [1], we felt that it might be of interest to our readers to hear about some of the therapeutic developments being pursued by the Drug Industry in a special issue of Purinergic Signalling. Many small and large companies were approached to contribute to this special issue. I am pleased that five companies have taken up the invitation with enthusiasm and their articles set out to explain the scientific basis of their endeavours. Some other companies graciously declined our invitation, preferring to keep their developments secret, which we do, of course, respect. Nevertheless, we hope that the collection of articles in this special issue is informative and interesting. It is exciting that years of studies of the basic mechanisms associated with purinergic signalling are being translated into practical applications in so many different areas of clinical medicine. Articles from Tocris, Alomone and Ascent are also included in this issue as companies who are producing many useful ligands and antibodies for research and development of purinergic signalling in health and disease.