To compare a stable dose of salmeterol/fluticasone propionate with a variable dose of formoterol/budesonide where the dose is adjusted according to a physician-guided self-management plan

A randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, 52-week, parallel group study of a standard dosing regimen with salmeterol/fluticasone propionate combination 50/250mcg bid (via the DISKUS/ACCUHALER inhaler) versus a symptom-driven variable dosing regimen with formoterol/budesonide combination 6/200mcg (via a breath-actuated dry powder reservoir inhaler)in adults asthmatics

Inclusion Criteria:

• Documented clinical history of asthma
• Forced expiratory volume in 1 second between 60% and 90% of predicted
• Using an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)at a dose equivalent to 200 to 500 mcg daily of beclomethasone (BDP)or equivalent combined with a long-acting beta-2-agonist or an ICS alone at a dose equivalent to >500 to 1000mcg daily of BDP daily

Exclusion Criteria:

• Lower respiratory tract infection within 1 month of study entry
• Use of systemic corticosteroids within 1 month of study entry
• Smoking history of 10 pack years or more Changes in regular asthma therapy within 12 weeks of study entry
• Any significant disorder that in the investigator's opinion might put the patient at risk or influence the study outcomes

Patient-level data for this study will be made available through www.clinicalstudydatarequest.com following the timelines and process described on this site.