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    Clinical Trial Results:
    A 52-week, double-blind, randomised, multi-centre, parallel-group,Phase III study in patients 12 years and older with asthma, evaluating the efficacy and safety of Symbicort® (budesonide/formoterol) Turbuhaler® 160/4.5 μg ‘as needed’ compared with terbutaline Turbuhaler® 0.4 mg ‘as needed’ and with Pulmicort® (budesonide) Turbuhaler® 200 μg twice daily plus terbutaline Turbuhaler® 0.4 mg ‘as needed’

    Summary
    EudraCT number
    2013-004474-96
    Trial protocol
    HU   GB   PL   RO   BG  
    Global end of trial date
    20 Jul 2017

    Results information
    Results version number
    v1(current)
    This version publication date
    20 May 2018
    First version publication date
    20 May 2018
    Other versions

    Trial information

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    Trial identification
    Sponsor protocol code
    D589SC00001
    Additional study identifiers
    ISRCTN number
    -
    US NCT number
    -
    WHO universal trial number (UTN)
    U1111-1153-1803
    Sponsors
    Sponsor organisation name
    AstraZeneca AB
    Sponsor organisation address
    Prepparedsleden 1, Mölndal, Sweden,
    Public contact
    Information Center, AstraZeneca, information.center@astrazeneca.com
    Scientific contact
    Millie Wang (Senior Medical Lead), AstraZeneca, information.center@astrazeneca.com
    Paediatric regulatory details
    Is trial part of an agreed paediatric investigation plan (PIP)
    No
    Does article 45 of REGULATION (EC) No 1901/2006 apply to this trial?
    No
    Does article 46 of REGULATION (EC) No 1901/2006 apply to this trial?
    Yes
    Results analysis stage
    Analysis stage
    Final
    Date of interim/final analysis
    20 Jul 2017
    Is this the analysis of the primary completion data?
    Yes
    Primary completion date
    20 Jul 2017
    Global end of trial reached?
    Yes
    Global end of trial date
    20 Jul 2017
    Was the trial ended prematurely?
    No
    General information about the trial
    Main objective of the trial
    To demonstrate that Symbicort Turbuhaler 160/4.5 μg ‘as needed’ is superior to terbutaline Turbuhaler 0.4 mg ‘as needed’.
    Protection of trial subjects
    The final protocol, informed consent form (ICF) and other written materials provided to patients were submitted to and approved by an Independent Ethics Committee (IEC). The investigator at each study centre ensured that patients were given full and adequate oral and written information about the nature, purpose, possible risks and benefits of the study. Patients were told they were free to discontinue the study at any time. Each patient was given the chance to ask questions and allowed time to consider the information. The PI ensured that each patient provided a signed ICF before any study procedures and ensured that any incentives or provisions for patients harmed as a result of study participation were described in the ICF. Patients with a history of life-threatening asthma, including intubation and intensive care unit admission, or other significant disease or disorder were ineligible for the study. Patients attended clinic visits at 4, 16, 28, 40 and 52 wks of treatment. Electronic diary alerted patients to signs that their asthma was worsening and prompted them to contact investigator for further assessment. Patients were instructed to contact their investigator if they needed to take more than 12 inhalations of as needed study medication/day and any time they needed medical assistance. Investigators could prescribe additional glucocorticosteroid treatment to patients having asthma exacerbations or long-term poor asthma control. Study specific discontinuation criteria were applied for patients in case of severe asthma exacerbation with duration > 3 weeks or 2 severe asthma exacerbations within 3 mths or 3 severe exacerbations in total during the study.
    Background therapy
    -
    Evidence for comparator
    -
    Actual start date of recruitment
    07 Jul 2014
    Long term follow-up planned
    No
    Independent data monitoring committee (IDMC) involvement?
    No
    Population of trial subjects
    Number of subjects enrolled per country
    Country: Number of subjects enrolled
    Poland: 490
    Country: Number of subjects enrolled
    Bulgaria: 337
    Country: Number of subjects enrolled
    Hungary: 223
    Country: Number of subjects enrolled
    Romania: 140
    Country: Number of subjects enrolled
    United Kingdom: 3
    Country: Number of subjects enrolled
    China: 334
    Country: Number of subjects enrolled
    Philippines: 257
    Country: Number of subjects enrolled
    Vietnam: 216
    Country: Number of subjects enrolled
    Korea, Republic of: 159
    Country: Number of subjects enrolled
    Russian Federation: 378
    Country: Number of subjects enrolled
    Ukraine: 283
    Country: Number of subjects enrolled
    Canada: 136
    Country: Number of subjects enrolled
    South Africa: 100
    Country: Number of subjects enrolled
    Australia: 7
    Country: Number of subjects enrolled
    Mexico: 279
    Country: Number of subjects enrolled
    Peru: 252
    Country: Number of subjects enrolled
    Chile: 139
    Country: Number of subjects enrolled
    Brazil: 103
    Worldwide total number of subjects
    3836
    EEA total number of subjects
    1193
    Number of subjects enrolled per age group
    In utero
    0
    Preterm newborn - gestational age < 37 wk
    0
    Newborns (0-27 days)
    0
    Infants and toddlers (28 days-23 months)
    0
    Children (2-11 years)
    0
    Adolescents (12-17 years)
    478
    Adults (18-64 years)
    3094
    From 65 to 84 years
    262
    85 years and over
    2

    Subject disposition

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    Recruitment
    Recruitment details
    5721 patients enrolled; 5003 run-in, 718 not run-in; 3849 randomised, 1154 not randomised: 1022 did not meet incl/excl criteria, 4 adverse event, 5 severe non-compliance to protocol, 104 subject decision, 7 subject lost to follow-up, 12 other reason.

    Pre-assignment
    Screening details
    Eligibility was assessed at Visits 1, 2 and 3. IC was obtained at V1. At V2, eligible patients stopped prescribed asthma medication and entered a 2-4 week run-in period, treated only with SABA Bricanyl Turbuhaler 0.5 mg, ‘as needed’. Lung function was performed by spirometry to confirm eligibility. Eligible patients were randomised at Visit 3.

    Period 1
    Period 1 title
    Overall Trial (overall period)
    Is this the baseline period?
    Yes
    Allocation method
    Randomised - controlled
    Blinding used
    Double blind
    Roles blinded
    Subject, Investigator, Monitor, Carer, Data analyst, Assessor

    Arms
    Are arms mutually exclusive
    Yes

    Arm title
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’
    Arm description
    Placebo for budesonide (Placebo Turbuhaler) + Symbicort Turbuhaler (budesonide/formoterol 160/4.5 µg)
    Arm type
    Experimental

    Investigational medicinal product name
    Symbicort Turbuhaler 160/4.5 µg (Budesonide/formoterol fumarate dihydrate 160/4.5 µg) + Placebo for budesonide (Placebo Turbuhaler)
    Investigational medicinal product code
    Other name
    Pharmaceutical forms
    Inhalation powder
    Routes of administration
    Inhalation use
    Dosage and administration details
    Budesonide / formoterol fumarate dihydrate powder for inhalation, 160 μg budesonide and 4.5 μg formoterol per inhalation, 120 doses + Placebo powder for inhalation, 200 doses

    Arm title
    Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Arm description
    Placebo for budesonide (Placebo Turbuhaler) + Terbutaline Turbuhaler 0.4 mg 'as needed'
    Arm type
    Active comparator

    Investigational medicinal product name
    Terbutaline Turbuhaler 0.4 mg (terbutaline sulphate 0.4 mg) + Placebo for budesonide (Placebo Turbuhaler)
    Investigational medicinal product code
    Other name
    Pharmaceutical forms
    Inhalation powder
    Routes of administration
    Inhalation use
    Dosage and administration details
    Terbutaline sulphate powder for inhalation, 0.4 mg terbutaline per inhalation, 120 doses + Placebo powder for inhalation, 200 doses

    Arm title
    Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Arm description
    Pulmicort Turbuhaler (budesonide 200 μg) + Terbutaline Turbuhaler 0.4 mg 'as needed'
    Arm type
    Active comparator

    Investigational medicinal product name
    Pulmicort Turbuhaler 200 µg (budesonide 200 µg) + Terbutaline Turbuhaler 0.4 mg (terbutaline sulphate 0.4 mg)
    Investigational medicinal product code
    Other name
    Pharmaceutical forms
    Inhalation powder
    Routes of administration
    Inhalation use
    Dosage and administration details
    Budesonide powder for inhalation, 200 µg per inhalation, 200 doses + Terbutaline sulphate powder for inhalation, 0.4 mg terbutaline per inhalation, 120 doses

    Number of subjects in period 1
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Started
    1277
    1277
    1282
    Patients who completed treatment
    1144
    1084
    1135
    Completed
    1144
    1084
    1135
    Not completed
    133
    193
    147
         Adverse event, serious fatal
    -
    -
    1
         Eligibility criteria not fulfilled
    9
    14
    8
         Consent withdrawn by subject
    75
    93
    77
         Adverse event, non-fatal
    6
    15
    9
         NotSpecified
    20
    25
    20
         Study specific withdrawal criteria
    4
    21
    6
         Lost to follow-up
    3
    12
    11
         Protocol deviation
    16
    13
    15

    Baseline characteristics

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    Baseline characteristics reporting groups
    Reporting group title
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’
    Reporting group description
    Placebo for budesonide (Placebo Turbuhaler) + Symbicort Turbuhaler (budesonide/formoterol 160/4.5 µg)

    Reporting group title
    Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Reporting group description
    Placebo for budesonide (Placebo Turbuhaler) + Terbutaline Turbuhaler 0.4 mg 'as needed'

    Reporting group title
    Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Reporting group description
    Pulmicort Turbuhaler (budesonide 200 μg) + Terbutaline Turbuhaler 0.4 mg 'as needed'

    Reporting group values
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Total
    Number of subjects
    1277 1277 1282 3836
    Age, Customized
    Units: Subjects
        >=12 - <18
    161 144 173 478
        >=18 - <50
    711 739 736 2186
        >=50 - <65
    308 315 285 908
        >=65 - <85
    97 78 87 262
        >=85
    0 1 1 2
    Age continuous
    Units: years
        arithmetic mean (standard deviation)
    39.8 ( 16.9 ) 40.0 ( 16.3 ) 39.0 ( 16.7 ) -
    Sex: Female, Male
    Units: Subjects
        Female
    777 771 797 2345
        Male
    500 506 485 1491

    End points

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    End points reporting groups
    Reporting group title
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’
    Reporting group description
    Placebo for budesonide (Placebo Turbuhaler) + Symbicort Turbuhaler (budesonide/formoterol 160/4.5 µg)

    Reporting group title
    Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Reporting group description
    Placebo for budesonide (Placebo Turbuhaler) + Terbutaline Turbuhaler 0.4 mg 'as needed'

    Reporting group title
    Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Reporting group description
    Pulmicort Turbuhaler (budesonide 200 μg) + Terbutaline Turbuhaler 0.4 mg 'as needed'

    Primary: ’Well-controlled asthma week’ - a derived binary variable (Yes/No)

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    End point title
    ’Well-controlled asthma week’ - a derived binary variable (Yes/No) [1]
    End point description
    A well-controlled asthma week is defined as the fulfilment of both conditions A) and B) below: A) Two or more of the following criteria are fulfilled: − No more than 2 days with a daily asthma symptom score >1 − No more than 2 days of ‘as needed’ medication use, up to a maximum of 4 occasions per week (multiple occasions per day should be regarded as separate occasions) − Morning PEF ≥80% of Predicted Normal every day B) Both of the following criteria are fulfilled: − No nighttime awakenings due to asthma − No additional inhaled and/or systemic glucocorticosteroid treatment due to asthma. The binary variable well-controlled asthma week was derived for each patient and study week. In addition, for each week, the percent of patients with well-controlled asthma week was derived. It is required that the eDiary had to be completed on at least 5 days in a week to be evaluable for a well-controlled asthma week.
    End point type
    Primary
    End point timeframe
    Weekly, up to 52 weeks
    Notes
    [1] - No statistical analyses have been specified for this primary end point. It is expected there is at least one statistical analysis for each primary end point.
    Justification: Manuscript in press
    End point values
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Number of subjects analysed
    1269
    1272
    1279
    Units: Percentage
        arithmetic mean (standard deviation)
    34.4 ( 36.02 )
    31.1 ( 34.90 )
    44.4 ( 39.10 )
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Secondary: Time to first severe asthma exacerbation

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    End point title
    Time to first severe asthma exacerbation
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    up to 52 weeks
    End point values
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Number of subjects analysed
    1277
    1277
    1282
    Units: N patients with sev asthma exacerbation
        Number of patients with events
    71
    152
    78
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Secondary: Time to first moderate or severe asthma exacerbation

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    End point title
    Time to first moderate or severe asthma exacerbation
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    up to 52 weeks
    End point values
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Number of subjects analysed
    1277
    1277
    1282
    Units: No. patients with asthma exacerbation
        Number of patients with events
    131
    274
    143
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Secondary: Average change from baseline in pre-dose FEV1

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    End point title
    Average change from baseline in pre-dose FEV1
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    Study weeks 0,4,16,28,40,52
    End point values
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Number of subjects analysed
    1261
    1243
    1261
    Units: mL
        least squares mean (confidence interval 95%)
    65 (47.6 to 82.4)
    11.2 (-6.4 to 28.9)
    119.3 (101.9 to 136.7)
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Secondary: Average change from baseline in Morning PEF

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    End point title
    Average change from baseline in Morning PEF
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    up to 52 weeks
    End point values
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Number of subjects analysed
    1273
    1272
    1280
    Units: L/min
        arithmetic mean (standard deviation)
    -4.55 ( 52.07 )
    -16.74 ( 54.15 )
    5.48 ( 56.54 )
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Secondary: Average change from baseline in Evening PEF

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    End point title
    Average change from baseline in Evening PEF
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    up to 52 weeks
    End point values
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Number of subjects analysed
    1271
    1274
    1280
    Units: L/min
        arithmetic mean (standard deviation)
    -11.67 ( 51.45 )
    -22.59 ( 54.14 )
    -5.28 ( 54.00 )
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Secondary: Average change from baseline in number of inhalations of ‘as needed’ medication.

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    End point title
    Average change from baseline in number of inhalations of ‘as needed’ medication.
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    up to 52 weeks
    End point values
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Number of subjects analysed
    1276
    1273
    1281
    Units: Number of inhalations per day
        least squares mean (confidence interval 95%)
    -0.96 (-0.99 to -0.93)
    -0.80 (-0.83 to -0.77)
    -1.04 (-1.07 to -1.00)
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Secondary: Average change from baseline in symptom score

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    End point title
    Average change from baseline in symptom score
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    up to 52 weeks
    End point values
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Number of subjects analysed
    1271
    1272
    1280
    Units: Score (0-6)
        arithmetic mean (standard deviation)
    -0.22 ( 0.85 )
    -0.11 ( 0.80 )
    -0.30 ( 0.82 )
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Secondary: Percentage of Nighttime Awakenings due to asthma: Change from baseline

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    End point title
    Percentage of Nighttime Awakenings due to asthma: Change from baseline
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    up to 52 weeks
    End point values
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Number of subjects analysed
    1273
    1272
    1280
    Units: % of nights
        arithmetic mean (standard deviation)
    -7.5 ( 24.0 )
    -4.6 ( 23.4 )
    -9.8 ( 22.7 )
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Secondary: Percentage of Symptom-free days: Change from baseline

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    End point title
    Percentage of Symptom-free days: Change from baseline
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    up to 52 weeks
    End point values
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Number of subjects analysed
    1273
    1274
    1280
    Units: % of days
        arithmetic mean (standard deviation)
    4.2 ( 25.9 )
    1.3 ( 24.8 )
    6.8 ( 27.6 )
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Secondary: Percentage of ‘As needed’ free days: Change from baseline

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    End point title
    Percentage of ‘As needed’ free days: Change from baseline
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    up to 52 weeks
    End point values
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Number of subjects analysed
    1276
    1273
    1281
    Units: % of days
        arithmetic mean (standard deviation)
    44.2 ( 31.0 )
    45.0 ( 30.7 )
    51.7 ( 30.6 )
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Secondary: Percentage of Asthma control days: Change from baseline

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    End point title
    Percentage of Asthma control days: Change from baseline
    End point description
    Asthma control days (%) change from baseline. An asthma control day is defined as the fulfilment of all of the following criteria; a day and night with no asthma symptoms, a night with no awakenings due to asthma symptoms and a day and night with no use of 'as needed' medication.
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    up to 52 weeks
    End point values
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Number of subjects analysed
    1273
    1272
    1280
    Units: % of days
        arithmetic mean (standard deviation)
    13.2 ( 23.9 )
    12.8 ( 23.3 )
    18.5 ( 28.4 )
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Secondary: Time to asthma related discontinuation

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    End point title
    Time to asthma related discontinuation
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    up to 52 weeks
    End point values
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Number of subjects analysed
    1277
    1277
    1282
    Units: Number of patients
        Severe asthma exacerbation with duration > 3 weeks
    0
    2
    0
        Two severe asthma exacerbations during 3 months
    3
    18
    6
        Three severe asthma exacerbations during the study
    1
    1
    0
        No study-specific asthma related discontinuation
    1273
    1256
    1276
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Secondary: Poorly controlled asthma weeks

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    End point title
    Poorly controlled asthma weeks
    End point description
    A poorly-controlled asthma week is defined as a week meeting any one of the following conditions: Two or more consecutive days with awakenings due to asthma on both nights; A recorded use of 'as needed' medication for symptom relief of at least 3 occasions per day, for at least 2 consecutive days; Additional systemic GCS treatment required for severe exacerbation. If there were sufficient data within a week available to confirm the week was not poorly-controlled, the week is labelled as 'does not meet criteria for poorly-controlled'.
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    Weekly for up to 52 weeks
    End point values
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Number of subjects analysed
    1277
    1277
    1282
    Units: % of weeks
    arithmetic mean (standard deviation)
        % of poorly-controlled asthma weeks, per patient
    15.83 ( 26.29 )
    21.79 ( 28.77 )
    13.75 ( 25.20 )
        No. of poorly-controlled asthma weeks, per patient
    7.7 ( 13.3 )
    9.7 ( 13.8 )
    6.7 ( 12.7 )
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Secondary: Time to additional steroids for asthma

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    End point title
    Time to additional steroids for asthma
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    up to 52 weeks
    End point values
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Number of subjects analysed
    1277
    1277
    1282
    Units: Number of patients
        Number of patients with events
    164
    345
    187
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Secondary: Average change from baseline in Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-5)

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    End point title
    Average change from baseline in Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ-5)
    End point description
    Asthma Control Questionnaire 5-item version score change from baseline. ACQ questionnaire contains five questions on patients' symptoms, which are assessed on a 7-point scale from 0 (representing good control) to 6 (representing poor control). The score is the mean score of all questions for which responses are provided.
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    Study weeks 0,4,16,28,40,52
    End point values
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Number of subjects analysed
    1241
    1225
    1237
    Units: ACQ-5 Score
        least squares mean (confidence interval 95%)
    -0.33 (-0.36 to -0.29)
    -0.17 (-0.21 to -0.14)
    -0.48 (-0.51 to -0.44)
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Secondary: Average change from baseline in Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire; standard version (AQLQ(S))

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    End point title
    Average change from baseline in Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire; standard version (AQLQ(S))
    End point description
    Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire Standardised Version (AQLQ (S) overall score change from baseline. AQLQ(S) consists of 32 questions in 4 domains. Each question is assessed on a 7-point scale from 1 to 7, with higher values indicating better health-related quality of life. The overall score is calculated as the mean score of all 32 items.
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    Study weeks 0,16,28,40,52
    End point values
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Number of subjects analysed
    1184
    1137
    1187
    Units: AQLQ(S) Score
        least squares mean (confidence interval 95%)
    0.313 (0.276 to 0.351)
    0.186 (0.148 to 0.225)
    0.415 (0.377 to 0.453)
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Secondary: Percentage of controller use days

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    End point title
    Percentage of controller use days
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    up to 52 weeks
    End point values
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Number of subjects analysed
    1276
    1273
    1281
    Units: % of days
        arithmetic mean (standard deviation)
    30.8 ( 28.7 )
    5.6 ( 16.8 )
    85.6 ( 19.5 )
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Secondary: Annual severe asthma exacerbation rate

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    End point title
    Annual severe asthma exacerbation rate
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    up to 52 weeks
    End point values
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Number of subjects analysed
    1277
    1277
    1282
    Units: Annual rate of exacerbations
        least squares mean (confidence interval 95%)
    0.07 (0.06 to 0.09)
    0.20 (0.16 to 0.24)
    0.09 (0.07 to 0.11)
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Secondary: Annual moderate or severe asthma exacerbation rate

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    End point title
    Annual moderate or severe asthma exacerbation rate
    End point description
    End point type
    Secondary
    End point timeframe
    up to 52 weeks
    End point values
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline 'as needed' Pulmicort bid + terbutaline 'as needed'
    Number of subjects analysed
    1277
    1277
    1282
    Units: Annual rate of exacerbations
        least squares mean (confidence interval 95%)
    0.14 (0.12 to 0.17)
    0.36 (0.31 to 0.42)
    0.15 (0.13 to 0.18)
    No statistical analyses for this end point

    Adverse events

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    Adverse events information
    Timeframe for reporting adverse events
    Adverse events were collected from Visit 2 throughout the randomised treatment period and including the follow-up period until the last telephone follow-up or the last contact. Serious adverse events were recorded from the time of informed consent.
    Assessment type
    Systematic
    Dictionary used for adverse event reporting
    Dictionary name
    MedDRA
    Dictionary version
    20.0
    Reporting groups
    Reporting group title
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’
    Reporting group description
    Placebo for budesonide (Placebo Turbuhaler) + Symbicort Turbuhaler (budesonide/formoterol 160/4.5 µg)

    Reporting group title
    Placebo bid + terbutaline ‘as needed’
    Reporting group description
    Placebo for budesonide (Placebo Turbuhaler) + Terbutaline Turbuhaler 0.4 mg ‘as needed’

    Reporting group title
    Pulmicort bid + terbutaline ‘as needed’
    Reporting group description
    Pulmicort Turbuhaler (budesonide 200µg) + Terbutaline Turbuhaler 0.4 mg ‘as needed’

    Serious adverse events
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline ‘as needed’ Pulmicort bid + terbutaline ‘as needed’
    Total subjects affected by serious adverse events
         subjects affected / exposed
    38 / 1277 (2.98%)
    50 / 1277 (3.92%)
    37 / 1282 (2.89%)
         number of deaths (all causes)
    0
    0
    2
         number of deaths resulting from adverse events
    0
    0
    2
    Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)
    Brain neoplasm
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    Breast cancer female
         subjects affected / exposed
    2 / 1277 (0.16%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 3
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Invasive ductal breast carcinoma
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Prostatic adenoma
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Uterine leimyoma
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 2
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Vascular disorders
    Hypertension
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Immune system disorders
    Anaphylactic shock
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Reproductive system and breast disorders
    Adenomyosis
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Endometriosis
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Uterine polyp
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Uterine prolapse
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Vaginal prolapse
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
    Asthma
         subjects affected / exposed
    6 / 1277 (0.47%)
    16 / 1277 (1.25%)
    8 / 1282 (0.62%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 6
    1 / 22
    0 / 8
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Nasal polyps
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    2 / 1282 (0.16%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 2
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Psychiatric disorders
    Adjustment disorder
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Product issues
    Patient-device incompatibility
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Investigations
    Blood pressure increased
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
    Animal bite
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Concussion
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Femur fracture
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Hand fracture
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Humerus fracture
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Intervertebral disc injury
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Lower limb fracture
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Lumbar limb fracture
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Meniscus injury
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Multiple injuries
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Radius fracture
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Road traffic accident
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Subdural haematoma
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Cardiac disorders
    Acute coronary syndrome
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Acute myocardial infarction
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Angina unstable
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    2 / 1282 (0.16%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 3
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Atrial fibrillation
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Atrioventricular block
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Cardiac failure congestive
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Myocardial ischaemia
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Nervous system disorders
    Cerebral ischaemia
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Cerebrovascular insufficiency
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Ischaemic stroke
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Multiple sclerosis
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Seizure
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Transient ischaemic attack
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Ear and labyrinth disorders
    Vertigo positional
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Eye disorders
    Amaurosis
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Cataract
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Gastrointestinal disorders
    Abdominal pain lower
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Anal fissure
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Chronic gastritis
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Crohn's disease
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Diarrhoea
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Enterocolitis
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Food poisoning
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Gastritis erosive
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Hernial eventration
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Inguinal hernia
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    2 / 1277 (0.16%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 2
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Pancreatitis chronic
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Umbilical hernia
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 2
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    Hepatobiliary disorders
    Cholecystitis
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Gallbladder polyp
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Cholelithiasis
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
    Hidradenitis
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Prurigo
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Urticaria
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Renal and urinary disorders
    Calculus urinary
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Nephrolothiasis
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 2
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Obstructive uropathy
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Endocrine disorders
    Adrenal insufficiency
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Goitre
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
    Chrondropathy
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Intervertebral disc protrusion
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Osteoarthritis
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Infections and infestations
    Abcess intestinal
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Anal abscess
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Atypical mycobacterial pneumonia
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Atypical pneumonia
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Cholecystitis infective
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Chronic sinusitis
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    3 / 1282 (0.23%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 3
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Clostridium difficile infection
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 2
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Cystitis
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Dengue fever
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Gastrointestinal infection
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Herpes zoster
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Keratitis viral
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Laryngitis
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1282 (0.08%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Osteomyelitis
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Peritoneal abscess
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Peritonitis
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Pneumonia
         subjects affected / exposed
    2 / 1277 (0.16%)
    2 / 1277 (0.16%)
    2 / 1282 (0.16%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 2
    0 / 2
    0 / 2
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Pneumonia bacterial
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Pyelonephritis acute
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Sinusitis
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Subcutaneous abscess
         subjects affected / exposed
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Tonsillitis
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 2
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Tonsillitis bacterial
         subjects affected / exposed
    1 / 1277 (0.08%)
    0 / 1277 (0.00%)
    0 / 1282 (0.00%)
         occurrences causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 1
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
         deaths causally related to treatment / all
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    0 / 0
    Frequency threshold for reporting non-serious adverse events: 2%
    Non-serious adverse events
    Placebo bid + Symbicort ‘as needed’ Placebo bid + terbutaline ‘as needed’ Pulmicort bid + terbutaline ‘as needed’
    Total subjects affected by non serious adverse events
         subjects affected / exposed
    471 / 1277 (36.88%)
    527 / 1277 (41.27%)
    497 / 1282 (38.77%)
    Nervous system disorders
    Headache
         subjects affected / exposed
    23 / 1277 (1.80%)
    25 / 1277 (1.96%)
    29 / 1282 (2.26%)
         occurrences all number
    44
    54
    32
    Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
    Asthma
         subjects affected / exposed
    32 / 1277 (2.51%)
    95 / 1277 (7.44%)
    50 / 1282 (3.90%)
         occurrences all number
    40
    125
    61
    Rhinitis allergic
         subjects affected / exposed
    28 / 1277 (2.19%)
    28 / 1277 (2.19%)
    19 / 1282 (1.48%)
         occurrences all number
    33
    32
    19
    Infections and infestations
    Upper respiratory tract infection
         subjects affected / exposed
    71 / 1277 (5.56%)
    76 / 1277 (5.95%)
    93 / 1282 (7.25%)
         occurrences all number
    86
    95
    125
    Viral upper respiratory tract infection
         subjects affected / exposed
    75 / 1277 (5.87%)
    79 / 1277 (6.19%)
    84 / 1282 (6.55%)
         occurrences all number
    90
    95
    98
    Pharyngitis
         subjects affected / exposed
    33 / 1277 (2.58%)
    34 / 1277 (2.66%)
    48 / 1282 (3.74%)
         occurrences all number
    39
    41
    54
    Bronchitis
         subjects affected / exposed
    33 / 1277 (2.58%)
    41 / 1277 (3.21%)
    37 / 1282 (2.89%)
         occurrences all number
    39
    44
    48

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    Substantial protocol amendments (globally)

    Were there any global substantial amendments to the protocol? Yes
    Date
    Amendment
    27 Nov 2014
    Percentage of controller use days added as a secondary variable: To further evaluate controller medication use in the study. Description of target patient population amended: To clarify pre-study treatment according to GINA Step 2 (GINA 2012); Rationale for study design, doses and control groups amended: To clarify pre-study treatment according to GINA Step 2 (GINA 2012); Inclusion Criteria 4, 5, and Exclusion Criteria 5 and 17 amended: To clarify pre-study treatment according to GINA Step 2 (GINA 2012); Exclusion Criterion 9 amended: To clarify that smoking history of ≥10 pack years applies to both current and previous smokers.; Methods for assigning treatment groups amended: To clarify pre-study treatment according to GINA Step 2 (GINA 2012); Visit 1 to 2 window amended: To allow performing of Visits 1 and 2 on the same day, and to clarify and to emphasize the importance of the fact that concomitant medications might have effect on lung function measurements.; Run-in procedures at Visit 2 amended: To clarify that all asthma-related treatments (including maintenance treatment with ICS or LTRA) will be stopped at Visit 2.; Definitions of moderate and severe asthma exacerbations amended: To provide clarification on depot steroid injection use, emergency room visit and steroid use end date, and to further clarify how moderate and severe asthma exacerbations will be counted.; To clarify how to distinguish long term poor asthma control and asthma exacerbations for the purpose of reporting in this study.; Reversibility test amended: To clarify pre-study treatment according to GINA Step 2 (GINA 2012)
    17 Aug 2015
    Inclusion Criterion 6 amended Within the patient population targeted for recruitment, FEV1 and/or FEV1 reversibility vary over time. Allowing use of documented historical reversibility within 12 months for all patients who failed reversibility test at Visit 2 and Visit 3 was expected to enhance recruitment without changing the characterization of the study patient population or jeopardizing patient safety. Discontinuation of IP amended To clarify that discontinuation of IP is obligatory in cases of pregnancy or study specific discontinuation criteria met. Details related to enrolment failures amended Within the patient population targeted for recruitment, FEV1 and/or FEV1 reversibility vary over time. Allowing two opportunities for patients to demonstrate a pre- and post-bronchodilator morning clinic FEV1 within the specified range as well as allowing re-enrolment of patients on short-acting bronchodilators ‘as needed’ who have been screen-failed prior to the current amendment but who have documented historical reversibility, was expected to enhance recruitment without changing the characterization of the study patient population or jeopardizing patient safety. Recording of asthma history amended To clarify that only severe asthma exacerbations (and not mild or moderate asthma exacerbations) have to be reported as part of asthma history in the medical records and the eCRF. Added training for patients on correct use of Turbuhaler To emphasize the importance of correct Turbuhaler user technique, check of inhalation technique at study visits and re-training of patient if needed. Timing of visits in relation to spirometry assessments amended To give flexibility around timing of visits and to clarify the importance of timing of assessment to ± 1 hour in relation to time of spirometry at Visit 2.
    24 Feb 2016
    Addition of qualitative sub-study as exploratory objective A sub-study with qualitative interviews in a subset of patients is being added to the protocol (to be reported separately from main CSR)
    22 Dec 2016
    Implementation of external, independent evaluation of all deaths The Steering Committee (see Section 2.3) recommended that independent review and adjudication of fatal events be introduced following the first death (triggered by asthma exacerbation). The rationale for this decision is that asthma related deaths are rare events and a group of specialists acting independently of all individuals associated with the conduct of the study can facilitate the collection of appropriate data and perform unbiased evaluation of each case. Amendment of WCAW (primary endpoint) algorithm and analysis Study week was included in the model to estimate WCAW, as a continuous variable. It was changed to a categorical measure to allow the model to reflect the nature of the variable. It was specified that up to 2 days of missed diary entries in a week were allowed in the evaluation of the WCAW. This was in line with the practice of requiring a minimum number of days with information to derive a weekly summary based on data collected on a daily basis (Bateman et al 2004, Thomas et al 2016, Jones et al 2016). At least five days in a week will provide sufficient information to evaluate the status of a patient in a week.

    Interruptions (globally)

    Were there any global interruptions to the trial? No

    Limitations and caveats

    Limitations of the trial such as small numbers of subjects analysed or technical problems leading to unreliable data.
    None reported
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