Please select the eligibility criteria that correspond to the clinical trial below.
Title: A Randomized, Active-controlled, Double-blind, Double-dummy, Parallel Group Design, Multi-center Trial to Compare the Efficacy and Safety of 2.5 µg and 5 µg Tiotropium Inhalation Solution Delivered by the Respimat Inhaler With Tiotropium Inhalation Capsules 18 µg Delivered by the HandiHaler (TIOSPIR)
Brief Summary: Direct comparison studies of the tiotropium HandiHaler® 18 µg and Respimat® 5 µg formulations have been limited to 4-week crossover studies. Therefore, prospective data from a trial of adequate size and duration is required to establish that compared to tiotropium HandiHaler®, tiotropium Respimat® will have (a) similar effects on safety and (b) similar or superior effects on exacerbations.


Options:
A: Inclusion Criteria:

* Type of subject: Outpatient
* Informed Consent: A signed and dated written informed consent prior to study participation.
* Participants 40 years of age or older at Visit 1.
* Gender: Male or female participants. A female is eligible to enter and participate in the study if she is of: Non-child bearing potential (i.e., physiologically incapable of becoming pregnant, including any female who is post-menopausal or surgically sterile). Surgically sterile females are defined as those with a documented hysterectomy and/or bilateral oophorectomy or tubal ligation. Post-menopausal females are defined as being amenorrhoeic for greater than 1 year with an appropriate clinical profile, e.g., age appropriate, \> 45 years, in the absence of hormone replacement therapy.OR Child bearing potential, has a negative pregnancy test at screening, and agrees to one of the following acceptable contraceptive methods used consistently and correctly (i.e., in accordance with the approved product label and the instructions of the physician for the duration of the study screening to follow-up contact): Abstinence, Oral Contraceptive, either combined or progestogen alone, Injectable progestogen, Implants of levonorgestrel, Estrogenic vaginal ring, Percutaneous contraceptive patches, Intrauterine device (IUD) or intrauterine system (IUS) that meets the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) effectiveness criteria as stated in the product label, Male partner sterilization (vasectomy with documentation of azoospermia) prior to the female subject's entry into the study, and this male is the sole partner for that subject. For this definition, "documented" refers to the outcome of the investigator's/designee's medical examination of the subject or review of the subject's medical history for study eligibility, as obtained via a verbal interview with the subject or from the subject' s medical records. Double barrier method: condom and an occlusive cap (diaphragm or cervical/vault caps) with a vaginal spermicidal agent (foam/gel/film/cream/suppository)
* Diagnosis: An established clinical history of COPD in accordance with the definition by the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society.
* Smoking History: Current or former cigarette smokers with a history of cigarette smoking of \>=10 pack-years. Former smokers are defined as those who have stopped smoking for at least 6 months prior to Visit 1.
* Severity of Disease: A pre and post-albuterol/salbutamol Forced Expiratory Volume in One Second/ Forced Vital Capacity (FEV1/ FVC) ratio of \<0.70 and a pre and post-albuterol/salbutamol FEV1 of \<=70% predicted normal value at Visit 1, calculated using Quanjer reference equations.
* Dyspnoea: A score of \>= 2 on the Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnoea Scale (mMRC) at Visit 1.
* QT interval corrected (QTc) Criteria: QTc \<450 milliseconds (msec) or QTc \<480 msec for patients with bundle branch block The QTc is the QT interval corrected for heart rate according to either Bazett's formula (QTcB), Fridericia's formula (QTcF), or another method, machine or manual overread. For subject eligibility and withdrawal, QTcF will be used. For purposes of data analysis, QTcF will be used as primary. The QTc should be based on single or averaged QTc values of triplicate Electrocardiogram (ECGs) obtained over a brief recording period.
* French participants: In France, a subject will be eligible for inclusion in this study only if either affiliated to or a beneficiary of a social security category.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant or lactating or are planning on becoming pregnant during the study.
* Asthma: A current diagnosis of asthma.
* Other Respiratory Disorders: Known alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, active lung infections (such as tuberculosis), and lung cancer are absolute exclusionary conditions. A subject who, in the opinion of the investigator, has any other significant respiratory conditions in addition to COPD should be excluded. Examples may include clinically significant bronchiectasis, pulmonary hypertension, sarcoidosis, or interstitial lung disease. Allergy rhinitis is not exclusionary.
* Other Diseases/Abnormalities: Participants with historical or current evidence of clinically significant cardiovascular, neurological, psychiatric, renal, hepatic, immunological, endocrine (including uncontrolled diabetes or thyroid disease) or hematological abnormalities that are uncontrolled and/or a previous history of cancer in remission for \<5 years prior to Visit 1 (localized carcinoma of the skin that has been resected for cure is not exclusionary). Significant is defined as any disease that, in the opinion of the investigator, would put the safety of the subject at risk through participation, or which would affect the efficacy or safety analysis if the disease/condition exacerbated during the study.
* Contraindications: A history of allergy or hypersensitivity to any anticholinergic/muscarinic receptor antagonist, beta2-agonist, lactose/milk protein or magnesium stearate or a medical condition such as narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy or bladder neck obstruction that, in the opinion of the study physician, contraindicates study participation or use of an inhaled anticholinergic or beta 2 agonist.
* Hospitalisation: Hospitalisation for COPD or pneumonia within 12 weeks prior to Visit 1.
* Lung Resection: Participants with lung volume reduction surgery within the 12 months prior to Screening (Visit 1).
* 12-Lead ECG: An abnormal and significant ECG finding from the 12-lead ECG conducted at Visit 1. Specific ECG findings that preclude subject eligibility will be listed in protocol The study investigator will determine the medical significance of any ECG abnormalities not listed.
* Screening labs: Significantly abnormal finding from clinical chemistry or haematology tests at Visit 1 as determined by the study investigator.
* Medication Prior to Spirometry: Unable to withhold albuterol/salbutamol for the 4 hour period required prior to spirometry testing at each study visit.
* Medications prior to Screening: Use of the following medications according to the following defined time intervals prior to Visit 1: Depot corticosteroids (12 weeks); Oral or parenteral corticosteroids (6 weeks); Antibiotics (for lower respiratory tract infection) (6 weeks); Cytochrome P450 3A4 strong inhibitors ( 6 weeks); Long Acting Beta-Agonist (LABA)/ inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) combination products (e.g. fluticasone/salmeterol, mometasone, furoate/formoterol fumarate, budesonide/formoterol, fumarate), If LABA/ICS therapy is discontinued completely (30 days); If discontinuing LABA therapy and switching to ICS monotherapy (48 hours for salmeterol or formoterol, 14 days for Olodaterol, Indacaterol or, Vilanterol); Use of ICS at a dose \>1000 mcg/day of fluticasone propionate or equivalent (30 days); Initiation or discontinuation of ICS use (30 days); Inhaled long acting beta2-agonists (LABA): Salmeterol, Formoterol (48 hours), Olodaterol, Indacaterol and Vilanterol (14 days); Long acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMA) (Tiotropium, Aclidinium, Glycopyrronium, Umeclidinium) (7 days); LABA/LAMA combination products (Whichever mono component has the longest washout); Roflumilast (14 days); Oral beta-agonists- Long-acting (48 hours), Short-acting(12 hours); Theophyllines (48 hours); Oral leukotriene inhibitors (zafirlukast, montelukast, zileuton) (48 hours); Inhaled sodium cromoglycate or nedocromil sodium (24 hours); Inhaled short acting beta2-agonists (4 hours); Inhaled short-acting anticholinergic (short acting muscarinic antagonist \[SAMA\]) products eg ipratropium (4 hours); Inhaled short-acting anticholinergic/short-acting beta2-agonist combination products (SAMA/Short Acting beta2-agonists \[SABA\]) (4 hours); Any other investigational medication (30 days or within 5 drug half-lives)
* Oxygen: Use of Long Term Oxygen Therapy (LTOT).This is defined as oxygen therapy prescribed for greater than 12 hours per day. As needed oxygen use (i.e. \<=12 hours per day) is not exclusionary.
* Nebulized Therapy: Regular use (prescribed for use every day, not for as-needed use) of short-acting bronchodilators (e.g., albuterol/salbutamol) via nebulized therapy.
* Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program: Participation in the acute phase of a pulmonary rehabilitation program within 12 weeks prior to Visit 1. Participants who are in the maintenance phase of a pulmonary rehabilitation program are not excluded.
* Drug or Alcohol Abuse: A known or suspected history of alcohol or drug abuse within 2 years prior to Visit 1.
* Affiliation with Investigator Site: Is an investigator, sub-investigator, study coordinator, employee of a participating investigator or study site, or immediate family member of the aforementioned that is involved in this study.
* Inability to read: In the opinion of the investigator, any subject who is unable to read and/or would not be able to complete a questionnaire.
* Participants who are pre-screen or screen failures cannot be re-screened.
B: Inclusion Criteria:

* Signed and dated written informed consent
* Male or females ≥ 40 years of age
* Established clinical history of COPD by ATS/ERS definition
* Females are eligible to enter and participate if of non-childbearing potential, or if of child bearing potential, has a negative serum pregnancy test at screening, and agrees to one of the acceptable contraceptive methods listed in protocol, used consistently and correctly
* Former or current smoker \> 10 pack years
* Post-albuterol spirometry criteria: FEV1/FVC ratio ≤ 0.70 and FEV1 ≤ 70% of predicted normal (NHANES III)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Current diagnosis of asthma
* Subjects with other respiratory disorders including active tuberculosis, α1-antitrypsin deficiency, lung cancer, bronchiectasis, sarcoidosis, lung fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung diseases or other active pulmonary diseases
* Lung volume reduction surgery within previous 12 months
* Clinically significant abnormalities not due to COPD by chest x-ray
* Hospitalized for poorly controlled COPD within 12 weeks of Screening
* Poorly controlled COPD 6 weeks prior to Screening, defined as acute worsening of COPD that is managed by the subject with corticosteroids or antibiotics or that requires treatment prescribed by a physician
* Lower respiratory infection requiring antibiotics 6 weeks prior to Screening
* Uncontrolled or clinically significant (in opinion of PI) cardiovascular, hypertension, neurological, psychiatric, renal, hepatic, immunological, endocrine, peptic ulcer disease, or hematological abnormalities
* Carcinoma not in complete remission for at least 5 years
* Subjects with history of hypersensitivity to study medications (e.g., beta-agonists, corticosteroid) or components of inhalation powder (e.g., lactose, magnesium stearate)
* Subjects with history of severe milk protein allergy that, in opinion of study physician, contraindicates subject's participation
* Known/suspected history of alcohol or drug abuse in the last 2 years
* Women who are pregnant or lactating or plan to become pregnant
* Subjects medically unable to withhold albuterol and/or ipratropium 4 hours prior to spirometry testing at each study visit
* Use of certain medications such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids for the protocol-specific times prior to Visit 1 (the Investigator will discuss the specific medications)
* Long Term Oxygen Therapy (LTOT) or nocturnal oxygen therapy \>12 hours a day
* Participation in the acute phase of a pulmonary rehabilitation program within 4 weeks prior to Screening or during the study
* Non-compliance or inability to comply with study procedures or scheduled visits
* Affiliation with investigator site
C: Inclusion criteria:

1. All patients must sign an informed consent consistent with International Conference on Harmonization Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP) guidelines prior to participation in the trial, which includes medication washout and restrictions.
2. Male or female patients 40 years of age or older.
3. Patients must be current or ex-smokers with a smoking history of ≥10 pack-years. (Patients who have never smoked cigarettes must be excluded)
4. All patients must have a diagnosis of COPD (P06-12085), and must meet the following criteria: Relatively stable airway obstruction with a post-bronchodilator FEV1 ≤ 70% of predicted normal and post-bronchodilator FEV1 / FVC ≤70%.

   Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) were conducted after the inhalation of 400 μg salbutamol / albuterol (preferred), however testing with either 200 μg salbutamol/albuterol or a combination of salbutamol / albuterol with ipratropium bromide (2 to 4 actuations) was acceptable. Other short-acting beta agonists, such as terbutaline, may have been used for the testing. The medication used for the testing was documented. Further, historical data from measurements within the past 6 months either at the site or at a referral site may have been used (see Section 6.2.1 of the CTP, located in Appendix 16.1.1). Subjects were not to have been randomized to the study without the availability of spirometry data at the actual study site.

   Eligibility for PFT sub-study: For subjects participating in the spirometry sub-study, historical data may not have been used for inclusion. These subjects must have qualified in the clinic at Visit 1 after performing a baseline measurement. These subjects performed a pre-dose PFT which was followed by the administration of 400 μg salbutamol / albuterol only (no other short-acting beta agonist was allowed), followed by a post-dose PFT for qualification.
5. Able to inhale from the HandiHaler® and the Respimat® devices.

Exclusion criteria:

1. Significant diseases other than COPD. A significant disease is defined as a disease or condition which, in the opinion of the investigator, may put the patient at risk because of participation in the study or may influence the patients ability to participate in the study.
2. Patients with a recent history (i.e., six months or less) of myocardial infarction.
3. Patients with any unstable or life-threatening cardiac arrhythmia requiring intervention or change in drug therapy during the last year.
4. Hospitalisation for cardiac failure (New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class III or IV) during the past year.
5. Known active tuberculosis.
6. Patients with a history of asthma, cystic fibrosis, clinically evident bronchiectasis, interstitial lung disease, or pulmonary thromboembolic disease.
7. History of thoracotomy with pulmonary resection. Subjects with a history of thoracotomy for other reasons were to have been evaluated per exclusion criterion 1.
8. Subject was planning to undergo lung transplant or lung volume reduction surgery (LVRS).
9. Malignancy for which the subject had undergone resection, radiation, chemotherapy or biological treatments within the last 5 years. Subjects with treated basal cell carcinoma were allowed.
10. Known respiratory infection or exacerbation of COPD in the 4 weeks prior to randomization.
11. Known hypersensitivity to anticholinergic drugs, lactose, benzalkonium chloride (BAC), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), or any other components of the HandiHaler® or Respimat® inhalation solution delivery system.
12. Known moderate to severe renal impairment (as judged by the investigator).
13. Known narrow angle glaucoma.
14. Known significant symptomatic prostatic hyperplasia or bladder-neck obstruction. Subjects whose symptoms were controlled on treatment may have been included.
15. Use of systemic corticosteroid medication at unstable doses (i.e., less than 6 weeks on stable dose) or at doses in excess of the equivalent of 10 mg prednisolone per day.
16. Pregnant or nursing women or women of childbearing potential not using a medically approved means of contraception for at least 3 months prior to and for the duration of the trial.
17. Significant alcohol or drug abuse within the past 12 months.
18. Subjects requiring the use of supplemental oxygen therapy for \> 12 hours per day.
19. Subjects who had completed a pulmonary rehabilitation program in the 6 weeks prior to the screening visit or subjects who were currently in a pulmonary rehabilitation program that was not maintained throughout the duration of the study.
20. Subjects who had taken an investigational drug within 30 days prior to the Screening Visit.
21. Previous participation (receipt of randomized treatment) in this study.
22. Subjects who were currently participating in an interventional study.
D: Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male or female adults aged ≥ 40 years, who have signed an Informed Consent Form prior to initiation of any study-related procedure.
2. Patients with moderate to severe stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD, Stage II or Stage III) according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Guidelines 2008.
3. Current or ex-smokers who have a smoking history of at least 10 pack years.
4. Patients with a post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) ≥ 30% and \< 80% of the predicted normal, and post-bronchodilator FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) \< 0.7 at Visit 2 (Day -14).
5. Patients, according to daily electronic diary data between Visit 2 (Day -14) and Visit 3 (Day 1), with a total score of 1 or more on at least 4 of the last 7 days prior to Visit 3 (Day 1).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnant women or nursing mothers (pregnancy confirmed by positive urine pregnancy test).
2. Women of child-bearing potential, unless using an approved method of medical or surgical contraception.
3. Patients requiring long term oxygen therapy (\> 15 h a day) on a daily basis for chronic hypoxemia, or who have been hospitalized for an exacerbation of their airways disease in the 6 weeks prior to Visit 1 (Day -21) or between Visit 1 (Day -21) and Visit 3 (Day 1).
4. Patients who have had a respiratory tract infection within 6 weeks prior to Visit 1 (Day -21).
5. Patients who, in the judgment of the investigator or the responsible Novartis personnel, have a clinically relevant laboratory abnormality or a clinically significant condition.
6. Patients with any history of asthma indicated by (but not limited to) a blood eosinophil count \> 600/mm\^3 (at Visit 1, Day -21) and onset of symptoms prior to age 40 years.
7. Patients with a history of long QT syndrome or whose QTc measured at Visit 1 (Day -21) (Fridericia method) is prolonged (\> 450 ms for males or \> 470 ms for females.

Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply to the study.

Answer: C