Please select the eligibility criteria that correspond to the clinical trial below.
Title: A 12-Week Efficacy and Safety Study of Two Doses of Mometasone Furoate/Formoterol Combination Formulation Compared With Mometasone Furoate Monotherapy, in Persistent Asthmatics Previously Treated With High-Dose Inhaled Glucocorticosteroids
Brief Summary: This is a randomized, multicenter, double blind, parallel-group study evaluating the efficacy of mometasone furoate/formoterol fumarate (MF/F) metered dose inhaler (MDI) 400/10 mcg twice daily (BID) compared with MF MDI 400 mcg BID for 12 weeks. Prior to the 12-week double-blind treatment period, subjects will receive open-label MF MDI 400 mcg BID for 2 to 3 weeks during the run-in period. Efficacy will be measured by the area under the curve from 0 to 12 hours \[AUC\](0-12 hr) of the change from Baseline to the Week 12 Endpoint in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1).


Options:
A: Inclusion criteria:

1. All patients must sign and date an Informed Consent Form consistent with International Conference on Harmonisation -Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP) guidelines and local legislation prior to participation in the trial (i.e. prior to any trial procedures, including any pre-trial washout of medications and medication restrictions for pulmonary function test at Visit 1).
2. Male or female patients aged 18 years or more at Visit 0 and 75 years or less at Visit 0.

   All patients must have
3. at least a 3 months history of asthma at the time of enrolment into the trial. The initial diagnosis of asthma must have been made before the patient's age of 40;
4. a pre-bronchodilator Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1)= 60% predicted and = 90% of predicted normal at Visit 1. Variation of absolute FEV1 values of Visit 1 (pre-bronchodilator) as compared to Visit 2 (pre-dose) must be within ± 30%.
5. Patient's diagnosis of asthma has to be confirmed at Visit 1 with a bronchodilator reversibility (within 10 minutes pre and 15-30 minutes after 400 µg salbutamol/albuterol) resulting in a FEV1 increase of = 12% and = 200mL. If this is not achieved the reversibility test may be repeated once within two weeks.
6. All patients must be symptomatic despite their current maintenance treatment with low doses of inhaled corticosteroids.
7. All patients must be symptomatic at Visit 1 (screening) and Visit 2 as defined by an Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) mean score of = 1.5.
8. All patients must have been on maintenance treatment with a low, stable dose of inhaled corticosteroids for at least 4 weeks prior to Visit 1.
9. Patients must be never-smokers or ex-smokers who stopped smoking at least one year prior to enrolment and who have a smoking history of less than 10 pack years ((see Appendix 10.3 for calculation).
10. Patients must be able to use the Respimat® inhaler correctly.
11. Patients must be able to perform all trial related procedures including technically acceptable pulmonary function tests and use of the e-Diary/peak flow meter (e-Diary-compliance of at least 80% is required; refer to Section 6.2.1 for instructions).
12. Patients taking a chronic pulmonary medication allowed by the study protocol must be willing to continue this therapy for the entire duration of the study (exception: times of acute disease deterioration).

Exclusion criteria:

1. Patients with a significant disease other than asthma. A significant disease is defined as a disease which, in the opinion of the Investigator, may (i) put the patient at risk because of participation in the trial, or (ii) cause concern regarding the patient's ability to participate in the trial.
2. Patients with a clinically relevant abnormal screening (Visit 1) haematology or blood chemistry if the abnormality defines a significant disease as defined in exclusion criterion number 1.
3. Patients requiring more than 10 puffs of rescue medication (salbutamol/albuterol MDI) per 24 hours on 2 consecutive days during the screening period.
4. Patients with a recent history (i.e. six months or less) of Acute Coronary Syndrome (STEMI, Non-STEMI and Unstable Angina Pectoris).
5. Patients who have been hospitalised for cardiac failure during the past year.
6. Patients with any unstable or life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia or cardiac arrhythmia requiring intervention or a change in drug therapy within the past year.
7. Patients with lung diseases other than asthma (e.g. COPD).
8. Patients with known active tuberculosis.
9. Patients with malignancy for which the patient has undergone resection, radiation therapy or chemotherapy within the last five years. Patients with treated basal cell carcinoma are allowed.
10. Patients who have undergone thoracotomy with pulmonary resection. Patients with a history of thoracotomy for other reasons should be evaluated as per exclusion criterion no.1.
11. Patients with significant alcohol or drug abuse on Investigator's assessment within the past two years.
12. Patients who are currently in a pulmonary rehabilitation program or have completed a pulmonary rehabilitation program in the 6 weeks prior to Visit 1 (screening).
13. Patients with known hypersensitivity to anticholinergic drugs, BAC, EDTA or any other components of the tiotropium inhalation solution.
14. Pregnant or nursing woman, including female patients with positive beta-HCG test at Visit 1.
15. Female patients of child-bearing potential not using highly effective method of birth control As defined in ICH (M3).
16. Patients who have been treated with beta-blocker medication within four weeks prior to Visit 1 and/or during the screening period.Topical cardio-selective beta-blocker eye medications for non-narrow angle glaucoma are allowed.
17. Patients who have been treated with oral or patch beta-adrenergics, systemic, i.e. oral or intravenous corticosteroids, long-acting anticholinergic tiotropium (Spiriva®) within four weeks prior to Visit 1 and/or during the screening period.
18. Patients who have been treated with depot corticosteroids within six months prior to Visit 1 and/or during the screening period.
19. Patients who have ever been treated with anti-IgE antibodies.
20. Patients who have been treated with leukotriene modifiers, systemic anticholinergics, cromolyn sodium or nedocromil sodium and methylxanthines or phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors within two weeks prior to Visit 1 and/or during the screening period.
21. Patients who have been treated with inhaled long acting beta adrenergics and long acting beta adrenergics combination products within four weeks prior to Visit 0 and/or during the screening period.
22. Patients who have taken an investigational drug within four weeks or six half lives whichever is greater prior to Visit 1.
23. Patients who have been treated with other non-approved and according to international guidelines not recommended, experimental drugs for routine asthma therapy (e.g. TNFalpha blockers, methotrexate, cyclosporin) within four weeks prior to Visit 1 and/or during the screening period (period between Visit 1 and Visit 2).
24. Patients with any asthma exacerbation or any respiratory tract infection in the four weeks prior to Visit 1 and/or during the screening period (period between Visit 1 and Visit 2).
25. Current participation in another trial.
B: Inclusion Criteria:

* A subject must be at least 12 years of age, of either sex, and of any race, with a diagnosis of asthma of at least 12 months duration that is consistent with the following definition:

  * The diagnosis of asthma is based upon clinical history and examination, pulmonary function parameters, and response to beta2-agonists, according to international guidelines.
* A subject must have been using a high dose of inhaled glucocorticosteroid (ICS) either alone or in combination with a long-acting beta2 agonist (LABA) for at least 12 weeks prior to Screening, with no use of oral glucocorticosteroids within 30 days prior to Screening. A subject must have been on a stable asthma regimen (daily dose unchanged) for at least 2 weeks prior to Screening. High daily doses of ICS are defined as follows:

  * \>1000 mcg beclomethasone chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)
  * \>500 mcg beclomethasone hydrofluoroalkane (HFA)
  * \>1000 mcg budesonide dry powder inhaler (DPI)
  * \>2000 mcg flunisolide
  * \>500 mcg fluticasone
  * \>400 mcg MF
  * \>2000 mcg triamcinolone acetonide
  * \>320 mcg ciclesonide

Note: Dose delivery by method or modality other than those noted above must be equivalent.

* A subject must have experienced at least one severe exacerbation requiring a course of oral glucocorticosteroid 2 to 12 months prior to Screening.
* If, based upon the medical judgment of the investigator, there is no inherent harm in changing the subject's current asthma therapy, then the subject (and parent/guardian, if applicable) must be willing to discontinue his/her prescribed ICS or ICS/LABA prior to initiating MF MDI run-in medication.
* To document the diagnosis of asthma and assure the subject's responsiveness to bronchodilators before randomization, one of the following methods can be used at the Screening Visit, Day-14, or thereafter, but prior to the Baseline Visit:

  * The subject must demonstrate an increase in absolute FEV1 of at least 12% and at least 200 mL within approximately 15 to 20 minutes after administration of four inhalations of albuterol/salbutamol (total dose of 360 to 400 mcg).
  * The subject must demonstrate a peak expiratory flow (PEF) variability of more than 20% expressed as a percent of the best and lowest morning pre-bronchodilator PEF over at least 1 week.
  * The subject must demonstrate a diurnal variation in PEF of more than 20% based on the difference between the prebronchodilator (before taking albuterol/salbutamol) morning value and the postbronchodilator value (after taking albuterol/salbutamol) from the evening before, expressed as a percentage of the mean daily PEF value. Note: If a subject is to qualify using diurnal variation, the subject should be instructed to perform his/her PEF evaluation after using his/her bronchodilator in the evening.
* At the Screening Visit, the subject's FEV1 must be \>=50% predicted when all restricted medications have been withheld for the appropriate intervals.
* At the Baseline Visit, the subject's FEV1 must be \>=50% and \<=85% predicted when all restricted medications have been withheld for the appropriate intervals.
* The subject (and parent/guardian for a subject under the age of legal consent) must be willing to give written informed consent and be able to adhere to dose and visit schedules.
* A female subject of childbearing potential must be using a medically acceptable, adequate form of birth control. This includes:

  * hormonal contraceptive as prescribed by a physician (oral combined, hormonal vaginal ring, hormonal implant or depot-injectable);
  * medically prescribed intra-uterine device (IUD);
  * medically prescribed topically-applied transdermal contraceptive patch;
  * condom in combination with a spermicide (double-barrier method);
  * monogamous relationship with a male partner who has had a vasectomy. The subject must have started this birth control method at least 3 months prior to Screening (with the exception of condom in combination with spermicide), and must agree to continue its use for the duration of the study. A female subject of childbearing potential who is not currently sexually active must agree and consent to using a medically acceptable method should she become sexually active during the course of this study. Women who have been surgically sterilized or are at least 1 year postmenopausal are not considered to be of childbearing potential. A female subject of childbearing potential must have a negative serum pregnancy test at Screening in order to be considered eligible for the open-label MF MDI Run-in Period.

Exclusion Criteria:

* A subject who demonstrates a change (increase or decrease) in absolute FEV1 of \>20% at any time from the Screening Visit up to and including the Baseline Visit. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) will be performed in the morning.
* A subject who requires the use of \>8 inhalations per day of short-acting beta agonists (SABA) MDI or \>=2 nebulized treatments per day of 2.5 mg SABA, on any 2 consecutive days from the Screening Visit up to and including the Baseline Visit.
* A subject who experiences a decrease in AM or PM peak expiratory flow (PEF) below the Run-in Period stability limit on any 2 consecutive days prior to randomization.
* A subject who experiences a clinical asthma exacerbation (defined as a deterioration of asthma that results in emergency treatment, hospitalization due to asthma, or treatment with additional, excluded asthma medication \[including oral or other systemic corticosteroids, but allowing SABAs\]), at any time from the Screening Visit up to and including the Baseline Visit.
* A subject who has been treated in the emergency room (for a severe asthma exacerbation), or admitted to the hospital for management of airway obstruction, within the last 3 months.
* A subject who has ever required ventilator support for respiratory failure secondary to asthma.
* A subject who has experienced an upper or lower respiratory tract infection (viral or bacterial) within the previous 2 weeks prior to Screening and Baseline Visits. Visits can be rescheduled 2 weeks after complete resolution of the event to re-assess eligibility.
* A subject who is a smoker or ex-smoker and has smoked within the previous year or has had a cumulative smoking history \>10 pack-years.
* A subject with a clinically significant abnormal vital sign.
* A subject with evidence (upon visual inspection, laboratory culture is not required) of clinically significant oropharyngeal candidiasis at Baseline (Visit 3) with or without treatment. If there is evidence of oropharyngeal candidiasis at Screening or Pre-Baseline Visit, the subject may be treated as appropriate and the Baseline Visit can be scheduled upon resolution. If there is evidence of oropharyngeal candidiasis at the Baseline Visit, the subject may be treated as appropriate and the visit can be rescheduled upon resolution.
* A subject with a history of clinically significant renal, hepatic, cardiovascular, metabolic, neurologic, hematologic, ophthalmologic, respiratory, gastrointestinal, cerebrovascular, or other significant medical illness or disorder which, in the judgment of the investigator, could interfere with the study, or require treatment that might interfere with the study. Specific examples include (but are not limited to) insulin-dependent diabetes, hypertension being treated with beta blockers, active hepatitis, coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, stroke, severe rheumatoid arthritis, chronic open-angle glaucoma or posterior subcapsular cataracts, acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), or conditions that may interfere with respiratory function such as clinically diagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, etc. Other conditions that are well-controlled and stable (eg, hypertension not requiring beta blockers) will not prohibit participation if deemed appropriate per the investigator's judgment.
* A subject who is known to be allergic to or intolerant of ICS, beta2 agonists, or any of the excipients present in the medications used in this study.
* A female subject who is breast-feeding, pregnant, or intends to become pregnant while participating in this study.
* A subject who is a known illicit drug user.
* A subject who is known to be human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive (HIV testing will not be conducted in this study).
* A subject who is unable to correctly use an oral MDI inhaler.
* A subject who has been taking any of the restricted medications prior to Screening without meeting the required washout timeframes.
* A subject who cannot adhere to the permitted concomitant medications and prohibited medications.
* A subject participating in this study may not participate in this same study at another investigational site. In addition, a subject cannot participate in a different investigational study at any site, during the same timeframe of this study.
* A subject must not be randomized into this study more than once.
* No person directly associated with the administration of the study may participate as a study subject. No family member of the investigational study staff may participate in this study.
* A subject who previously participated in a trial with MF/F.
* Subjects with a history of significant QTC prolongation (ie, QTc\>500 msec) are excluded from participation in the study.
C: Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or female patients at least 18 years or older (females less than one year post-menopausal must have a negative serum or urine pregnancy test recorded within 72 hours prior to the first dose of study medication, be non-lactating, and willing to use adequate and highly effective methods of contraception throughout the study. A highly effective method of birth control is defined as those which result in a low failure rate (i.e. less than 1% per year) when used consistently and correctly such as sterilization, implants, injectables, combined oral contraceptives, some IUDs (Intrauterine Device, hormonal), sexual abstinence or vasectomised partner).
* Known history of mild to moderate-severe reversible asthma for \> 6 months prior to the screening visit.
* Demonstrate a FEV1 of \>40% to \<80% for predicted normal values (EGKS normal values, 1983) during the screening phase following appropriate withholding of asthma medications (if applicable).

  * No beta agonist use on day of screening.
  * No use of combination asthma therapy on day of screening.
  * Inhaled corticosteroids are allowed on day of screening.
* Documented reversibility of \> 15% in FEV1 in the screening phase.
* Demonstrate satisfactory technique in the use of the pressurized MDI.
* Willing and able to enter information in the electronic diary and attend all study visits.
* Willing and able to substitute study medication for their pre study prescribed asthma medication for the duration of the study.
* Written informed consent obtained.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Life-threatening asthma within the past year. This category includes those patients with a history of near-fatal asthma, a hospitalization or an emergency visit for asthma or prior intubation for asthma.
* History of systemic (injectable) corticosteroid medication within 1 month before the Screening Visit.
* History of omalizumab use within the past 6 months.
* History of leukotriene receptor antagonist use, e.g. montelukast, within the past week.
* Current evidence or history of any clinically significant disease or abnormality including uncontrolled coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, myocardial infarction, or cardiac dysrhythmia. 'Clinically significant' is defined as any disease that, in the opinion of the Investigator, would put the patient at risk through study participation, or which would affect the outcome of the study.
* An upper or lower respiratory infection within 4 weeks prior to the Screening Visit.
* Significant, non-reversible, active pulmonary disease (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis, tuberculosis).
* Known Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive status.
* A smoking history equivalent to "10 pack years" (i.e., at least 1 pack of 20 cigarettes /day for 10 years or 10 packs/day for 1 year, etc)
* Current smoking history within 12 months prior to the Screening Visit.
* Current evidence or history of alcohol and/or substance abuse within 12 months prior to the Screening Visit.
* Patients who have taken beta-blocking agents, tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, astemizole (Hismanal), quinidine type antiarrhythmics, or potent CYP 3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole within the past week.
* Current use of medications that will have an effect on bronchospasm and/or pulmonary function.
* Current evidence or history of hypersensitivity or idiosyncratic reaction to test medications or components.
* Receipt of an investigational drug within 30 days of the Screening Visit (12 weeks if an oral or injectable steroid).
* Current participation in a clinical study.
D: Inclusion criteria:

1. All patients including the patients under age (under 20 years old) must sign and date an Informed Consent Form consistent with ICH-GCP guidelines and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) prior to participation in the trial \[i.e. prior to any trial procedures, including any pre-trial washout of medications and medication restrictions for pulmonary function test (PFT) at Visit 1\]. Regarding patients under age, a guardian or a legally authorised representative must also sign and date an Informed Consent Form.
2. Male or female outpatients aged at least 18 years but not more than 75 years at Visit 0.
3. All patients must have at least a 12-week history of asthma at the time of enrolment (Visit 0) into the trial. The diagnosis should be confirmed at Visit 1 by fulfilling inclusion criterion 5.
4. The initial diagnosis of asthma must have been made before the patient's age of 40.
5. The diagnosis of asthma has to be confirmed at Visit 1 with a bronchodilator reversibility (15-30 minutes after 400 µg salbutamol) resulting in a Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) increase of at least 12% and at least 200 mL .
6. All patients must have been on maintenance treatment with a medium, stable dose of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) \[alone or in a fixed combination with a Long-acting beta-adrenergic (LABA)\] for at least 4 weeks prior to Visit 1.
7. All patients must be symptomatic at Visit 1 (screening) and prior to randomisation at Visit 2 as defined by an Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) mean score of at least 1.5.
8. All patients must have a pre-bronchodilator FEV1 at least 60% and less than or equal to 90% of predicted normal at Visit 1.
9. Patients must be never-smokers or ex-smokers who stopped smoking at least one year (52 weeks) prior to enrolment (Visit 0) and who have a smoking history of less than 10 pack years.
10. Patients must be able to use the Respimat inhaler correctly, which is judged at the discretion of the investigator..
11. Patients must be able to perform all trial related procedures including technically acceptable PFTs and use of electronic diary (eDiary)/peak flow meter, which is judged at the discretion of the investigator.

Exclusion criteria:

1. Patients with a significant disease other than asthma. A significant disease is defined as a disease which, in the opinion of the investigator, may (i) put the patient at risk because of participation in the trial, or (ii) influence the results of the trial, or (iii) cause concern regarding the patient's ability to participate in the trial.
2. Patients with a clinically relevant abnormal screening (Visit 1) haematology or blood chemistry if the abnormality defines a significant disease as defined in exclusion criterion no 1.
3. Patients with a recent history (i.e. 6 months or less) of myocardial infarction prior to Visit 0.
4. Patients who have been hospitalised for cardiac failure during the past year prior to Visit 0.
5. Patients with any unstable or life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia or cardiac arrhythmia requiring intervention or a change in drug therapy within the past year prior to Visit 0.
6. Patients with lung diseases other than asthma (e.g. COPD).
7. Patients with known active tuberculosis.
8. Patients with malignancy and/or patients who have undergone resection, radiation therapy or chemotherapy for malignancy within the last 5 years prior to Visit 0. Patients with treated basal cell carcinoma are allowed.
9. Patients who have undergone thoracotomy with pulmonary resection. Patients with a history of thoracotomy for other reasons should be evaluated as per exclusion criterion no. 1.
10. Patients with significant alcohol or drug abuse, which is judged at the discretion of the investigator, within the past 2 years prior to Visit 0.
11. Patients with known hypersensitivity to anticholinergic drugs, benzalkonium chloride (BAC), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), or any other components of the study medication delivery systems.
12. Pregnant or nursing women.
13. Women of childbearing potential not using a highly effective method of birth control.
14. Patients who have taken an investigational drug within 4 weeks prior to Visit 1.
15. Patients who have been treated with beta-blocker medication within four weeks prior to Visit 1 and/or during the screening period. Topical cardio-selective beta-blocker eye medications for non-narrow angle glaucoma are allowed.
16. Patients who have been treated with the long-acting anticholinergic tiotropium (Spiriva) within four weeks prior to Visit 1 and/or during the screening period.
17. Patients who have been treated with oral beta-adrenergics within four weeks prior to Visit 1 and/or during the Screening period.
18. Patients who have been treated with systemic corticosteroids within four weeks prior to Visit 1 and/or during the screening period.
19. Patients who have been treated with anti-IgE antibodies, e.g. omalizumab (Xolair®), within 6 months prior to Visit 1 and/or during the screening period.
20. Patients who have been treated with other non-approved and according to international guidelines not recommended "experimental" drugs for routine asthma therapy within four weeks prior to Visit 1 and/or during the screening period.
21. Patients with any asthma exacerbation or any respiratory tract infection in the four weeks prior to Visit 1 and/or during the screening period.
22. Patients who are currently participating in another trial.
23. Patients with narrow-angle glaucoma and/or micturition disorder due to prostatic hyperplasia.
24. Patients with below 80% of the eDiary completion compliance on Visit 2 (diary compliance of at least 80% is required).

Answer: B