Efficacy of ciclesonide versus budesonide in patients with asthma (18 to 75 y) (BY9010/M1-137)

Inclusion Criteria

• Main Inclusion Criteria:
• - During the last 4 weeks prior to baseline, treatment with an inhaled steroid (dosage: up to 250 mcg fluticasone propionate or equivalent)
• - FEV1 80 - 105% of predicted
• - Healthy with the exception of asthma
• - Written informed consent has been obtained
• - Outpatients
• - Patients who have a history of persistent bronchial asthma for at least 6 months
• Main Exclusion Criteria:
• - Concomitant severe diseases or diseases which are contraindications for the use of inhaled steroids
• - Concomitant COPD (i.e. chronic bronchitis or emphysema) and/or other relevant lung diseases causing alternating impairment in lung function
• - An asthma exacerbation or an infection of the lower airways prior to entry into the baseline period
• - Pregnancy
• - Intention to become pregnant during the course of the study
• - Breast feeding
• - Lack of safe contraception
• - Patient is current smoker with 10 or more pack-years
• - Patient is ex-smoker with 10 or more pack-years