The 2011 revision of the GOLD global strategy on COPD is a major paradigm shift in diagnosis and management of the disease. In particular, detailed assessment of current symptom control and future risk in terms of airflow limitation and exacerbation history, now allows more accurate categorisation of individual COPD patients. Pharmacological interventions are now directly linked to these categories. The recommendations for drug therapy in each of the 4 new categorical groups of COPD phenotypes reflect the accumulated knowledge base from literature. Bronchodilatation and anti-inflammatory drug therapy continue to be the main basis of drug choice and regimens.