Lung Function and Patient Preference With QVA149 vs. Tiotropium in COPD Patients

Inclusion Criteria: * signed an Informed Consent Form * stable COPD according to current guidelines (GOLD 2013) * airflow limitation indicated by a post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio of \<0.70 and a post-bronchodilator FEV1 of ≥30% and \<80% of predicted normal values at Visit 2. * current or ex-smokers who have a smoking history of at least 10 pack years * Patients on stable tiotropium (18 µg/d) monotherapy for at least 8 weeks before Visit 1 * Symptomatic patients defined as patients with CAT score ≥ 10 at Visit 1 (Screening). Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnant or breast feeding mothers * Patients with conditions contraindicated for treatment * Patients with a history of clinically significant diseases * Patients who have a clinically significant renal disease * Patients with myocardial infarctions less than 6 months prior to study entry * Patients with recent (less than 1 year) history of NYHA Class III/IV left ventricular failure. * Patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, symptomatic prostatic hyperplasia or bladder-neck obstruction or urinary retention * Patients with a history of malignancy of any organ system * Patients who have had a COPD exacerbation that required treatment with antibiotics, and/or systemic steroids (oral or intravenous) and/or hospitalization in the 6 weeks prior to Screening * Patients who have had a respiratory tract infection within 6 weeks prior to Screening * Patients with any history of asthma.