A Study Evaluating the Efficacy of QGE031 Compared to Omalizumab in Patients With Allergic Asthma

Inclusion Criteria: Adult patients 18 to 65 years Positive skin prick test to one or more common airborne allergens Presence of airway hyperresponsiveness documented by a provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% fall in FEV1 (PC20 FEV1) of less than or equal to 16 mg/mL Presence of an early asthmatic response demonstrated by an allergen challenge at screening and including a 15% fall in the FEV1 Patients with a body weight and total IgE in a range specified by local country prescribing information for omalizumab Exclusion Criteria: Pregnant or nursing (lactating) women Women of child-bearing potential unless they are using a highly effective method of birth control (as further defined in the study protocol) Smokers Patients with poorly controlled asthma or patients who have had an asthma exacerbation within the past year Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply.