Evaluation of Two Doses of QVAR Versus Placebo by Breath Operated and Metered Dose Inhalers in Moderate Asthmatic Adolescents and Adults on a Stable Regimen of Inhaled Corticosteroids

Allergy or sensitivity to BDP (beclomethasone dipropionate) or to other components of the formulations used in the CTM

Patients demonstrating an increase or decrease in FEV1 \>20% between the screening and baseline visit.

Patients requiring the use of \>12 puffs per day of albuterol for any 3 consecutive days between the screening and baseline visits.

Patients who are unable to use an MDI without a spacer device. (Use of spacers is prohibited during the course of the study.)

Patients who have been treated with methotrexate, cyclosporin, gold or other cytotoxic agents for the control of asthma or for a concurrent condition within the last 3 months.

Patients who are receiving escalating doses of immunotherapy, oral immunotherapy or short course (rush) immunotherapy for rhinitis.

Patients with evidence of oropharyngeal candidiasis.

Exposure to investigational drugs within 30 days prior to the screening visit

Require continuous treatment with beta blockers (administered by any route), MAO inhibitors, leukotriene modifiers, tricyclic antidepressants, anticholinergics, inhaled nedocromil or cromolyn, or nebulized therapy (excluding sponsor provided albuterol MDI) following the screening visit.

Patients who have received any of the following treatments or met any of the following conditions within six weeks prior to the screening visit: \*oral or injectable corticosteroids; \*an upper respiratory tract infection and/or sinusitis associated with exacerbation of asthmatic symptoms; \*emergency room treatment or hospitalization for asthmatic symptoms

Inability to tolerate or unwillingness to comply with required washout periods for all applicable medications

Treatment at any time for life-threatening asthmatic episodes

History or presence of any non-asthmatic acute or chronic lung disease

History of glaucoma, ocular hypertension or cataracts

Presence of systemic fungal, bacterial, viral or parasitic infections and/or ocular herpes simplex

Known or suspected substance abuse (e.g., alcohol, marijuana, etc.)

Patients who are known to be HIV positive

Unlikely to be compliant, take study medication as directed, complete the diary cards, or attend scheduled clinic visits as required.

What this study is about