BI 671800 ED in Steroid-naive Asthmatic Patients

Inclusion criteria:

1. Signed informed consent consistent with ICH-GCP
2. Three month history of reversible (12% with 200 mL) asthma (according to GINA) with following spirometry at randomization: FEV1 60%-85%.
3. No ICS previous 3 months prior to screening.
4. Diagnosis of asthma prior to 40 years.
5. ACQ at least 1.5 at randomization.
6. Male or female, 18 to 65 years.
7. Non-smokers or ex-smokers ( less than 10 pack year history) with negative cotinine screen.
8. Able to perform PFT

Exclusion criteria:

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