The 2nd International Drug Hypersensitivity Meeting was held at Liverpool, UK on 18 - 21 April, 2006. This meeting, attended by almost 200 delegates with expertises in chemistry, pharmacology, toxicology, allergy and immunology, provided an excellent environment to discuss recent advances in the understanding of the chemical, cellular, molecular and genetic basis of drug hypersensitivity. Furthermore, specific symposia addressed clinical, industrial and regulatory perspectives of drug hypersensitivity reactions. The ultimate aim of the meeting was to contribute towards a better understanding and management of this particular form of serious adverse drug reaction. The authors herein provide a synopsis of the main research and clinical findings discussed at the meeting.