1. Significant diseases other than asthma or allergic rhinitis.

2. Hepatic transaminases or total bilirubin greater than 1.5 ULN.

3. Hospitalizations for asthma or asthma related intubation within 3 months.

4. Uncontrolled asthma.

5. Respiratory tract infection or exacerbation within 4 weeks.

6. FEV1 less than 40%, more than 12 puffs of SABA on more than two consecutive days or asthma exacerbation during the run-in period.

7. Participation in another interventional study.

8. Pregnant or nursing women.

9. Women of child bearing potential nor using appropriate methods of birth control as defined by protocol

BI 671800 ED in Steroid-naive Asthmatic Patients