Efficacy and Tolerability of Beclomethasone Dipropionate/Formoterol Single Inhaler in Patients With Mild to Moderate Persistent Asthma

Inclusion Criteria: * Clinical diagnosis of mild to moderate persistent asthma (according to GINA 2003 guidelines) * FEV1 \> or = 60% and \< or = 85% of predicted normal values * Patients free of LABA at least for one month before screening and already treated for at least two months with ICS and experiencing (i)a daily use of SABAs between 1 and 4 puffs, (ii) and/or clinical symptoms three times in the week prior to inclusion * A documented positive response to the reversibility test Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant or lactating females or women of childbearing potential without any efficient contraception * Heavy smokers defined as smoking for \> 10 pack years * Evidence of asthma exacerbation causing an hospitalisation or requiring treatment with oral/parenteral corticosteroids or evidence of symptomatic airways infection in the 4 weeks prior to inclusion (3 months for slow-release corticosteroids) * Seasonal asthma or asthma occurring only during episodic exposure to an allergen or occupational chemical sensitizer * Clinical significant or unstable concomitant diseases, including clinically significant laboratory abnormalities * Evidence of asthma worsening during the week preceding randomisation (e.g PEF variability \> or = 30% during 2 consecutive days, SABA use \> 8 puffs/day during 2 consecutive days, nocturnal awakenings due to asthma symptoms during 3 consecutive days