A Study of Lebrikizumab in Patients With Uncontrolled Asthma Who Are on Inhaled Corticosteroids and A Second Controller Medication (VERSE)

This randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study will assess the efficacy and safety of lebrikizumab in patients with asthma whose disease remains uncontrolled despite daily therapy with an inhaled corticosteroid and a second controller medication. Patients will be randomized in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to receive double-blind treatment with subcutaneous lebrikizumab ("highest", "middle", "lowest" dose) or placebo every 4 weeks for 52 weeks, in addition to their standard-of-care therapy. This will be followed by a 52-week double-blind active treatment extension. The anticipated time on study treatment is up to 104 weeks. There will be a safety follow-up of 24 weeks after the last dose of study drug for all patients.


Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients, 18 to 75 years of age at Visit 1
* Asthma diagnosis for \>/= 12 months prior to the start of screening (Visit 1)
* Bronchodilator response during screening
* Pre-bronchodilator FEV1 40%-80% of predicted during screening
* On ICS (inhaled corticosteroids) 500-2000 mcg/day of fluticasone propionate DPI or equivalent for \>/= 6 months prior to the start of screening (Visit 1) with no anticipated changes throughout the study
* On an eligible second controller medication (LABA, LAMA, LTRA or theophylline within the prescribed dosing range)
* Uncontrolled asthma as defined by protocol both during screening period and at time of randomization
* Chest X-ray or computed tomography (CT) scan obtained within 12 months prior to screening or chest X-ray during screening period confirming the absence of other lung disease
* Demonstrated adherence with controller medication during the screening period

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of severe allergic or anaphylactic reaction to a biologic agent or known hypersensitivity to any component of the lebrikizumab injection
* Use of zileuton or roflumilast within 6 months prior to screening
* Maintenance oral corticosteroid therapy, defined as daily or alternate day oral corticosteroid maintenance therapy within the 3 months prior to Visit 1
* Treatment with systemic (oral, intravenous or intramuscular) corticosteroids within the 4 weeks prior to Visit 1
* Major episode of infection within 4 weeks prior to Visit 1 or treatment with oral antibiotics within 2 weeks prior to Visit 1
* Active parasitic infection within the 6 months prior to Visit 1
* Active tuberculosis requiring treatment within the 12 months prior to Visit 1
* Known immunodeficiency, including, but not limited to, HIV infection
* Evidence of acute or chronic hepatitis or known liver cirrhosis
* History of cystic fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and/or other clinically significant lung disease other than asthma
* Known malignancy or current evaluation for a potential malignancy
* Current smoker or former smoker with a history \>10 pack years
* History of alcohol, drug or chemical abuse
* Initiation or change in allergen immunotherapy within 3 months prior to Visit 1
* Use of biologic therapy including omalizumab during 6 months prior to Visit 1
* Receipt of live/attenuated vaccine within 4 weeks prior to Visit 1
* Pregnant or lactating women
* Body mass index (BMI) \> 38 kg/m2
* Body weight \< 40 kg