Efficacy and Safety of Single Doses of Indacaterol Delivered Via a Single Dose Dry Powder Inhaler (SDDPI) Compared to Placebo in Patients With Persistent Asthma

Inclusion Criteria: * Males and females 12 - 75 years of age with a diagnosis of persistent asthma * Daily treatment with a bronchodilator and daily dose of at least 100 µg beclomethasone dipropionate or equivalent * FEV1 at Visit 1 at least 50% of the predicted normal value * FEV1 reversibility at least 15% Exclusion Criteria: * Use of tobacco products within 6 months prior to Visit 1 or a smoking history of more than 10 pack years * Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) * Seasonal allergy where asthma is likely to deteriorate during the period of the study * Emergency room treatment for an acute asthma attack within the previous 6 weeks or hospitalized within the previous 6 months * A respiratory tract infection within the previous 6 weeks Other protocol-defined exclusion criteria may apply