Clinical Assessment Of GW815SF HFA MDI In Pediatric Patients With Bronchial Asthma

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of GW815SF HFA MDI 25/50µg 1 inhalation bid in comparison with concomitant treatment with salmeterol xinafoate DPI 25µg 1 inhalation bid plus fluticasone propionate DPI 50µg 1 inhalation bid in paediatric patients with asthma.

To evaluate the safety of long-term treatment of GW815SF HFA MDI 25/50µg 1 inhalation bid in paediatric patients with asthma.


Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion criteria:

* Inclusion Criteria for Entry in Run-in Period

A pediatric patient already diagnosed as having bronchial asthma who meets all of the following criteria is eligible for the study:

* Male or female patients aged ≥5 and ≤14 years. Enrolment of a female patient of childbearing potential is allowed only if she is tested negative in the pregnancy testing at the start of Treatment Period 1 and if she agrees to undergo pregnancy testing at the protocol-specified timings and to take contraceptive measures without fail.
* Written informed consent must be obtained from a legally acceptable representative of the subject. Consent of the subject him/herself should also be obtained, wherever possible, after giving an explanation in an as easy to understand as possible manner.
* An outpatient who has been treated with ICS (FP 100μg/day or equivalent) for at least 4 weeks prior to Visit 1.
* Able to use a peak flow meter in a correct manner in the investigator's/subinvestigator's judgment.
* Able to use MDI and DPI in a correct manner (with the assistance of his/her caregiver as necessary) in the investigator's/subinvestigator's judgment.

Inclusion Criteria for Entry in Treatment Period 1 A subject will be randomized to one of the two treatment groups only if he/she has completed the run-in period and meets all the following criteria.

1. Has a mean of morning PEF measurements in the last 7 days of the run-in period (excluding the first day of Treatment Period 1) ≤90% of his/her best PEF measurement .
2. Was able to perform entry in the asthma diary and PEF measurements in a correct manner in the investigator's/subinvestigator's judgment.
3. Able to use MDI and DPI in a correct manner (with the assistance of his/her caregiver as necessary) in the investigator's/subinvestigator's judgment.

Exclusion criteria:

* Exclusion Criteria for Entry in Run-in Period

A patient who applies any of the following criteria is not eligible for the study:

* Admitted to the hospital due to asthma exacerbation within 8 weeks prior to Visit 1.
* Used systemic steroid within 4 weeks prior to Visit 1.
* Received antibacterials or antivirals for treatment of upper or lower respiratory tract infection within 2 weeks prior to Visit 1.
* Has a safety problem in participation in the study because of a serious, uncontrolled systemic disease including nervous system disorder.
* Has or is suspected to have deep-seated mycosis or infection to which no effective antibacterial agent is available.
* Has or is suspected to have hypersensitivity to the investigational product, rescue medication or any ingredients of them.
* Is pregnant or lactating, may be pregnant, or plans for pregnancy during the study period.
* Has received the last dose in another clinical study within 2 months prior to this study.
* Is not eligible for the study in the investigator's/subinvestigator's judgment.

Exclusion Criteria for Entry in Treatment Period 1

Enrolment of a subject completing the run-in period into Treatment Period 1 will not be allowed if any of the following applies:

1. Admitted to the hospital due to asthma exacerbation during the run-in period.
2. Had upper or lower respiratory tract infection during the 2 weeks just before Visit 2.
3. Used prohibited drugs during the 2 weeks just before Visit 2.
4. Is not eligible for the study in the investigator's/subinvestigator's judgment.

Exclusion Criteria for Entry in Treatment Period 2

Enrolment of a subject completing the washout period into Treatment Period 2 will not be allowed if any of the following applies:

1. Admitted to the hospital due to asthma exacerbation during the washout period.
2. Had upper or lower respiratory tract infection during the 2 weeks just before Visit 4.
3. Used prohibited drugs during the 2 weeks just before Visit 4.
4. Is not eligible for entry in Treatment Period 2 in the investigator's/subinvestigator's judgment.