Bronchodilator Effect of CHF1535 pMDI Versus Free Combination of Beclometasone Plus Formoterol pMDI in Asthmatic Children

The purpose of this clinical study is to compare the improvement in breathing of single administration of CHF 1535 50/6 pMDI (fixed combination of a corticosteroid drug beclomethasone 50 µg + formoterol 6 µg/puff, 2 inhalations, total dose 100/12 µg) given with spacer versus free combination of beclomethasone 50 µg/puff pMDI (2 inhalations, total dose 100 µg) given with spacer plus formoterol 6 µg/puff pMDI (2 inhalations, total dose 12 µg) given with spacer in terms of FEV1 from 0 to 12 hours in asthmatic children.

Additionally the study aims to evaluate the effects of doses of CHF 1535 pMDI compared to placebo and the effect on other lung function parameters, to assess the safety and tolerability of CHF 1535 dosages in children.

FEV1 from 0 to 12 hours standardised by time will be statistically analysed taking into account treatment, period and subject and pre-dose FEV1.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Written informed consent obtained from the parents/legal representatives and/or the subject (if and when appropriate)
* Prepuberal male and female outpatients, aged ≥ 5 and \< 12 years (Tanner stage I and II)
* Clinical diagnosis of asthma according to Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention (GINA) revised version 2009 at least six months prior to screening visit.
* Already treated with inhaled short acting Beta2-agonists as required and / or inhaled beclomethasone dipropionate up to 400 µg or equivalent.
* Forced Expiratory Volume during the first second (FEV1) ≥ 60% and ≤ 95% of predicted normal values at the screening visit.
* A documented positive response to the reversibility test at the screening visit, defined as Delta FEV1 ≥ 15% over baseline, 15 minutes after 400 μg salbutamol pressurised Meter Dose Inhaler (ATS/ERS taskforce 2005).
* A cooperative attitude and ability to use a pMDI and a spacer (Aerochamber Plus and Volumatic).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Endocrinological diseases or other chronic diseases.
* Known sensitivity to the components of study medication.
* Any concomitant disease requiring additional treatment with topic or systemic glucocorticosteroids.
* Allergy to one component of medications used.
* Intolerance or contra-indication to treatment with Beta2-agonists and/or inhaled corticosteroids.
* Having received an investigational drug within 2 months before the current study.
* Inability to comply to study procedures or to study treatment intake.
* Occurrence of acute asthma exacerbations or respiratory tract infections in the 4 weeks preceding the screening visit.
* Significant seasonal variation in asthma or asthma occurring only during episodic exposure to an allergen or a chemical sensitizer.
* History of cystic fibrosis, bronchiectasis or alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency.
* History of near fatal asthma (e.g. brittle asthma, hospitalisation for asthma exacerbation in Intensive Care Unit).
* Diagnosis of restrictive lung disease.
* Significant medical history and/or treatments for cardiac, renal, neurological, hepatic, endocrine diseases, or any laboratory abnormality indicative of a significant underlying condition, that may interfere with patient's safety, compliance, or study evaluations, according to the investigator's opinion.
* QTc interval (Fridericia's formula) higher than 450 msec at screening visit