This article surveys the current thrust of the 'new therapeutics' of inflammatory bowel disease. It defines the potential targets of therapy-enhancing the mucosal barrier between mucosa and lumen, altering the antigen challenge from the lumen, and inhibiting the processes leading to amplification and recruitment of pro-inflammatory mechanisms. Approaches based on current understanding of the molecular aspects of inflammation are emphasised, including the use of monoclonal antibodies, cytokine receptor antagonists, and rapidly metabolised corticosteroids.