STYLE - Symbicort Single Inhaler Therapy vs Conventional Therapy in Treatment of Persistent Asthma

A Comparison of the Efficacy of Symbicort® Single Inhaler Therapy (Symbicort Turbuhaler® 160/4.5 mg 1 Inhalation b.i.d. Plus As-needed) and Conventional Best Practice for the Treatment of Persistent Asthma in Adolescents and Adults - a 26 Weeks, Randomised, Open-label, Parallel-group, Multicentre Study

The purpose of the study is to compare the efficacy of a flexible dose of Symbicort with conventional stepwise treatment according to asthma treatment guidelines in patients with persistent asthma

Inclusion Criteria:

• - Diagnosis of asthma ³ 3 months
• Prescribed daily use of glucocorticosteroids at a dose > 320 mcg/ day for at least 3 months prior to Visit 1

Exclusion Criteria:

• Smoking history > 10 pack-years
• Asthma exacerbation requiring change in asthma treatment during the last 14 days prior to inclusion
• Any significant disease or disorder that my jeopardize the safety of the patient.

Additional inclusion and exclusion criteria will be evaluated by the investigator.