Masitinib in Treatment of Patients With Severe Persistent Asthma Treated With Oral Corticosteroids

Main inclusion criteria: 1. Patient with severe asthma and already treated with oral corticosteroids at a minimal daily dose of 7.5 mg prednisone or equivalent for at least 3 months prior to screening visit 2. Patient treated with oral corticosteroids during at least one period of 21 days, from 1 year prior to screening to 3 months before screening 3. Patient with no significant change in the regular asthma medication, no severe asthma exacerbation for at least 4 weeks prior to screening visit 4. Non-smoker patient for at least 1 year and with a prior tobacco consumption \< 10 packs/year Main exclusion criteria: 1. Patient with active lung disease other than asthma (e.g. chronic bronchitis) 2. Female patient who is pregnant or lactating 3. Asthmatic patient still exposed to allergens or to triggering factors influencing asthma control 4. Patient with history of acute infectious sinusitis or respiratory tract infection within 4 weeks prior to screening visit