This article reviews experimental laboratory and preliminary clinical studies, which might lead to novel approaches in the treatment of Crohn's disease (CD). Some of the new agents might be of value for subgroups of CD patients, especially those who have been drug resistant to the 'classical therapy' with agents like glucocorticoids, mesalazine, azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, cyclosporin, and methotrexate. However, controlled trials for the novel agents mentioned in this review are highly warranted.