Efficacy of Fixed Combination Therapy of Vildagliptin and Metformin Compared to the Individual Monotherapy Components in Drug Naive Patients With Type 2 Diabetes

Inclusion Criteria: * Male or female (non-fertile or of childbearing potential using a medically approved birth control method) patients with type 2 diabetes * Diagnosis of T2DM for at least 4 weeks prior to study entry * Age 18 - 78 years inclusive * Body mass index (BMI) of 22 - 40 kg/m2 * HbA1c: 7.5 - 11% inclusive * FPG \<270 mg/dL (15 mmol/L) Exclusion Criteria * Pregnant or lactating female * A history of type 1 diabetes * Evidence of significant diabetic complications * Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply