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A Study to Assess the Reduction of Daily Maintenance ICS/LABA Treatment Towards Anti-Inflammatory Reliever Treatment in Patients With Severe Eosinophilic Asthma Treated With Benralizumab

SHAMAL: A Multicentre, Randomised, Open-Label, Parallel-Group, Active-Controlled, Phase IV Study to Assess the Reduction of Daily Maintenance ICS/LABA Treatment Towards Anti-Inflammatory Reliever Treatment in Patients With Severe Eosinophilic Asthma Treated With Benralizumab

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 4
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT04159519
Enrollment
170
Registered
2019-11-12
Start date
2020-07-27
Completion date
2023-01-31
Last updated
2025-01-09

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Asthma, Severe Eosinophilic Asthma

Keywords

Anti-Inflammatory, Reduction period, Inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting β2 agonist

Brief summary

This is a multicentre, randomised, open-label, parallel-group, active-controlled, phase IV study to assess the reduction of daily Symbicort® maintenance to anti-inflammatory reliever treatment only in participants with severe eosinophilic asthma on Fasenra® treatment, while maintaining asthma control.

Detailed description

This study will be conducted at 24 study sites in 3-5 countries. The study duration for each participant will be approximately 52-56 weeks. Approximately 240 participants with severe eosinophilic asthma taking high-dose Inhaled corticosteroids/ long-acting β2-agonist (ICS/LABA) who have been treated for severe eosinophilic asthma with at least 3 consecutive doses of Fasenra® and have clinically responded since the start of Fasenra® treatment (defined for the purpose of this study as an Asthma control questionnaire-5 item (ACQ-5 score) \<1.5 at Visit 1 and Visit 2b) will be enrolled into this open-label study. The study consists of a Screening Visit (Visit 1) and 4- to 8-week screening and run-in period (to align the randomisation study visit with the next Fasenra® injection), a reduction period of 32 weeks, and a 16-week maintenance period.

Interventions

DRUGSymbicort®

Participants will receive Budesonide 400 μg/formoterol fumarate 12 μg per inhalation or Budesonide 200 μg/formoterol fumarate 6 μg per inhalation.

DRUGFasenra®

Participants will receive Benralizumab 30 mg/mL, 1 mL fill volume via subcutaneous injection every 4 weeks for first 3 doses (prior to study inclusion), every 8 weeks thereafter.

DRUGVentolin®

Participants will receive Salbutamol sulfate 100 μg per inhalation as needed.

Sponsors

AstraZeneca
Lead SponsorINDUSTRY

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 130 Years
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

1. Provision of informed consent prior to any study-specific procedures. 2. Patient must be aged 18 years old or above at the time of consenting to study participation. 3. Documented current maintenance treatment with high-dose ICS/LABA. 4. ACQ-5 score \<1.5 at Visit 1. 5. Treatment with Fasenra® for the indicated diagnosis of severe eosinophilic asthma and has received at least 3 consecutive doses (\>8 weeks) prior to Visit 1. 6. Male or female. 7. Negative serum pregnancy test at Visit 1 for women of childbearing potential (WOCBP). 8. WOCBP must agree to use a highly effective method of birth control (confirmed by the Investigator) from randomisation throughout the study duration and within 12 weeks after the last dose of study treatment. Highly effective forms of birth control (those that can achieve a failure rate of less than 1% per year when used consistently and correctly) include: * Combined (oestrogen and progestogen containing) hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation-oral, intravaginal, or transdermal. * Progestogen-only hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation-oral, injectable, or implantable. * Intrauterine device (IUD). * Intrauterine hormone-releasing system (IUS). * Bilateral tubal occlusion. * Sexual abstinence, ie, refraining from heterosexual intercourse (the reliability of sexual abstinence needs to be evaluated in relation to the duration of the clinical study and the preferred and usual lifestyle of the patient). * Vasectomised sexual partner (provided that partner is the sole sexual partner of the WOCBP study patient and that the vasectomised partner has received medical assessment of the surgical success). Women not of childbearing potential are defined as women who are either permanently sterilized (hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy, or bilateral salpingectomy), or who are postmenopausal. Women will be considered postmenopausal if they have been amenorrhoeic for ≥12 months prior to the planned date of randomisation without an alternative medical cause. The following age-specific requirements apply: * Women \<50 years old will be considered postmenopausal if they have been amenorrhoeic for 12 months or more following cessation of exogenous hormonal treatment and have follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in the postmenopausal range. Until FSH is documented to be within menopausal range, treat the patient as WOCBP. * Women ≥50 years old will be considered postmenopausal if they have been amenorrhoeic for 12 months or more following cessation of all exogenous hormonal treatment. For randomisation at Visit 2b, patients should fulfil the following criteria: 1. ACQ-5 \<1.5 at Visit 2b. 2. No increase (worsening) in ACQ-5 of at least ≥0.5 units between Visit 1 and Visit 2b compared to baseline. 3. No asthma exacerbation (see Section 8.1.3) between Visit 1 and Visit 2b. 4. No use of Ventolin® for symptom worsening in \>3 out of the 7 days prior to Visit 2b.

Exclusion criteria

1. As judged by the Investigator, any evidence of a severe or serious treatment-related AE during Fasenra® treatment which in the Investigator's opinion makes it undesirable for the patient to participate in the study. 2. History of exacerbation requiring systemic corticosteroids or hospitalisation during the last 3 months prior to Visit 1 or during the run-in period. 3. Clinically important pulmonary disease other than asthma (eg, active lung infection, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis), or ever been diagnosed with pulmonary or systemic disease, other than asthma, that are associated with elevated peripheral eosinophil counts (eg, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis/mycosis, Churg-Strauss syndrome, hypereosinophilic syndrome). 4. Current smokers or former smokers with a smoking history ≥20 pack/years. 5. History of alcohol or drug abuse within 12 months prior to Visit 1. 6. A helminth parasitic infection diagnosed within 24 weeks prior to Visit 1 that has not been treated with, or has failed to respond to, standard of care therapy. 7. History of anaphylaxis to any biologic therapy. 8. Known history of allergy or reaction to any component of the study treatment formulation. 9. A history of known immunodeficiency disorder, including history of a positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) test. 10. Current malignancy, or history of malignancy, except for: * Patients who have had basal cell carcinoma, localized squamous cell carcinoma of the skin or in situ carcinoma of the cervix are eligible provided that the patient is in remission and curative therapy was completed at least 12 months prior to the date informed consent was obtained. * Patients who have had other malignancies are eligible provided that the patient is in remission and curative therapy was completed at least 5 years prior to the date informed consent was obtained. Prior/Concomitant Therapy 11. Oral corticosteroid use during the last 3 months prior to Visit 1. 12. Receipt of long-acting muscarinic antagonist (LAMAs) or theophyllines from Visit 1 until after Visit 8b, or leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRAs) from Visit 2b until after Visit 8b. 13. Use of immunosuppressive medication (including but not limited to: methotrexate, troleandomycin, cyclosporine, azathioprine, intramuscular long-acting depot corticosteroid, or any experimental anti-inflammatory therapy) within 3 months or 5 half-lives (whichever is longer) prior to the date informed consent is obtained. 14. Receipt of live attenuated vaccines 30 days prior to Visit 1. 15. It is recommended to allow receipt of inactive/killed vaccinations (eg, inactive influenza) provided they are not administered within 1 week before/after any study treatment administration. 16. It is recommended to allow receipt of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination prior to study start provided such patients are not randomized until \>30 days after last vaccine dose. 17. It is recommended to allow allergen immunotherapy provided it is stable for at least 30 days prior to Visit 1 and there is no anticipated change during the treatment period. Allergen immunotherapy should not be administered on the same day as study visits. 18. Receipt of immunoglobulin or blood products within 30 days prior to the date informed consent is obtained. 19. Five-lipoxygenase inhibitors (eg, zileuton) are prohibited and are not allowed within 30 days of Visit 1 and until after Visit 8b. 20. Receipt of any marketed (eg, omalizumab) or investigational biologic within 4 months or 5 half-lives prior to the date informed consent is obtained, whichever is longer. 21. Receipt of systemic treatment with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (eg, ketoconazole and itraconazole) from Visit 1 until after Visit 8b. 22. Receipt of beta-adrenergic blockers (including eye drops) from Visit 1 until after Visit 8b. 23. Concurrent participation in another clinical study with an Investigational Product or a post-authorisation safety study. Other Exclusions 24. Planned surgical procedures or other planned life events during the conduct of the study that would affect the patient's ability to comply with study treatment dosing or study assessments. 25. Involvement in the planning and/or conduct of the study (applies to both AZ staff and/or staff at the study site). 26. Judgement by the Investigator that the patient should not participate in the study if the patient is unlikely to comply with study procedures, restrictions, and requirements. 27. Prior randomisation in the present study. 28. Currently pregnant, breast-feeding, or lactating women.

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Proportion of Patients Who Reduced Their Symbicort® Maintenance Dose at the End of the Reduction PeriodAt Week 32Proportion of patients with non-missing Week 32 dose who reduced their Symbicort® maintenance dose at the end of the reduction period (Week 32) to: a) Medium-dose Symbicort® maintenance and reliever therapy (SMART), or b) Low-dose SMART, or c) Symbicort® anti-inflammatory reliever only.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Change From Baseline in Standardised Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire for 12 Years and Older (AQLQ(S)+12) at the End of the Reduction PeriodWeek 0 (baseline) and at Week 32The AQLQ(S)+12 is a Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) that measures the health-related quality of life experienced by asthma patients. The questionnaire comprises 4 separate domains (symptoms, activity limitations, emotional function, and environmental stimuli). Patients are asked to recall their experiences during the previous 2 weeks before each visit and to score each of the questions on a 7-point scale ranging from 7 (no impairment) to 1 (severe impairment). Range of Total Score = 0 - 7 as it is an average of responses to the individual questions. High score = better quality of life, and low score = poor quality of life. Change of \>0.5 from baseline is considered a meaningful improvement in score.
Number of Patients With no Deterioration in AQLQ(S)+12 at the End of the Reduction PeriodAt Week 32The AQLQ(S)+12 is a PRO that measures the health-related quality of life experienced by asthma patients. The questionnaire comprises 4 separate domains (symptoms, activity limitations, emotional function, and environmental stimuli). Patients are asked to recall their experiences during the previous 2 weeks before each visit and to score each of the questions on a 7-point scale ranging from 7 (no impairment) to 1 (severe impairment). AQLQ(S)+12 deterioration was defined as at least a 0.5 unit decrease in AQLQ(S)+12 total score from baseline. Patients with no deterioration include patients with improvement or no change.
Number of Patients With no Deterioration in ACQ-5 at the End of the Reduction PeriodAt Week 32Change from baseline in the ACQ-5 patient reported outcome. This instrument contains 5 asthma symptom questions, rated from 0 (total control) to 6 (severely uncontrolled). The ACQ-5 score is the mean of the responses. Mean scores ≤0.75 indicate well controlled, scores between \>0.75 and \<1.5 indicate partly controlled, ≥1.5 indicate not well controlled asthma, and individual changes of ≥0.5 are considered to be clinically meaningful. ACQ-5 deterioration is defined as at least a 0.5 units increase in ACQ-5 score from baseline, and a decrease of at least 0.5 units from baseline indicates improved asthma control.
Change From Baseline in Pre-bronchodilator Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) During the Study PeriodAt Week 0 (baseline), and at Weeks 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, and 48The potential for benralizumab-treated patients to maintain lung function while stepping down Symbicort® maintenance treatment was assessed. The FEV1 is the maximal volume of air exhaled in the first second of a forced expiration from a position of full inspiration, expressed in liters. Change from baseline pre-bronchodilator FEV1 calculated as post-baseline pre-bronchodilator FEV1 (L) minus baseline pre-bronchodilator FEV1 (L) for all post-baseline measurement points.
Annualised Asthma Exacerbation Rate During the Study PeriodFrom Week 0 up to Week 48Asthma exacerbation rate was assessed. An asthma exacerbation was defined as a worsening of asthma symptoms that led to any of the following: a) Temporary bolus/burst of systemic corticosteroids (≥3 consecutive days); b) Single depo-injectable dose of corticosteroids (equivalent to a 3-day bolus/burst); c) Visit to emergency room/urgent care (treatment \<24 hours) requiring systemic corticosteroids; d) Hospitalization (admission/evaluation ≥24 hours) due to asthma.
Cumulative Total Daily Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS) Dose, by PeriodReduction period (From Week 0 up to Week 32); maintenance period (From Week 32 up to Week 48); Study period (Week 0 up to end of maintenance period/ end of study)The cumulative total daily ICS dose (maintenance +reliever) for: a) reduction period; b) maintenance period; c) study period was assessed.
Total Daily ICS Dose (Maintenance + Reliever) at the End of the Reduction PeriodAt Week 32The mean total daily ICS dose (maintenance + reliever) during the 8 weeks prior to end of the reduction period was assessed.
Proportion of Participants Using the Same Symbicort® Daily Dose at the End of the Maintenance Period (Week 48) That They Achieved at the End of the Reduction Period (Week 32)At Week 48Proportion of patients using the same Symbicort daily dose at the end of the maintenance period that they achieved at the end of the reduction period. Proportions were based on patients with non-missing Week 32 and Week 48 Symbicort doses.
Change From Baseline in Asthma Control Questionnaire-5 Item (ACQ-5) Score at the End of the Reduction PeriodWeek 0 (baseline) and at Week 32Change from baseline in the ACQ-5 patient reported outcome. This instrument contains 5 asthma symptom questions, rated from 0 (total control) to 6 (severely uncontrolled). The ACQ-5 score is the mean of the responses. Mean scores ≤0.75 indicate well controlled, scores between \>0.75 and \<1.5 indicate partly controlled, ≥1.5 indicate not well controlled asthma, and individual changes of ≥0.5 are considered to be clinically meaningful. ACQ-5 deterioration is defined as at least a 0.5 unit increase in ACQ-5 score from baseline, and a decrease of at least 0.5 units from baseline indicates improved asthma control.
Total Daily ICS Dose From the End of the Reduction Period to the End of the Maintenance PeriodWeek 32, Week 40, and Week 48Total daily ICS dose from the end of the reduction period to the end of the maintenance period.
Change in ACQ-5 From the End of the Reduction Period to the End of the Maintenance PeriodFrom Week 32 to Week 48Change in ACQ-5 score from end of reduction to end of maintenance is reported. This instrument contains 5 asthma symptom questions, rated from 0 (total control) to 6 (severely uncontrolled). The ACQ-5 score is the mean of the responses. Mean scores ≤0.75 indicate well controlled, scores between \>0.75 and \<1.5 indicate partly controlled, ≥1.5 indicate not well controlled asthma, and individual changes of ≥0.5 are considered to be clinically meaningful. ACQ-5 deterioration is defined as at least a 0.5 unit increase in ACQ-5 score from baseline, and a decrease of at least 0.5 units from baseline indicates improved asthma control.
Change in AQLQ(S)+12 From the End of the Reduction Period to the End of the Maintenance PeriodFrom Week 32 to Week 48Change in AQLQ(S)+12 from the end of the reduction period to the end of the maintenance period is reported. The AQLQ(S)+12 is a Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) that measures the health-related quality of life experienced by asthma patients. The questionnaire comprises 4 separate domains (symptoms, activity limitations, emotional function, and environmental stimuli). Patients are asked to recall their experiences during the previous 2 weeks before each visit and to score each of the questions on a 7-point scale ranging from 7 (no impairment) to 1 (severe impairment). Range of Total Score = 0 - 7 as it is an average of responses to the individual questions. High score = better quality of life, and low score = poor quality of life. Change of \>0.5 from baseline is considered a meaningful improvement in score.
Change in FEV1 From the End of the Reduction Period to the End of the Maintenance PeriodFrom Week 32 to Week 48The change from the end of the reduction period to the end of the maintenance period for pre-bronchodilator Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) was calculated as Week 48 pre-bronchodilator FEV1 (Liter \[L\]) minus the maintenance period baseline pre-bronchodilator FEV1 (L). The FEV1 is the maximal volume of air exhaled in the first second of a forced expiration from a position of full inspiration, expressed in liters.
Number of Patients That Met Each Composite Endpoint Defining Clinical RemissionAt Week 32 and Week 48The number of patients meeting each individual component of the composite endpoint defining clinical remission (zero exacerbations, ACQ-5 \< 1.5, or ACQ-5 \<= 0.75, \< 10% FEV1 deterioration) at the end of reduction and maintenance periods were assessed.
Number of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsAt Week 32 and Week 48Clinical remission in patients at end of the reduction and maintenance periods was assessed. A remission score, assigning 1 point for each clinical remission component achieved at week 32 or week 48,was calculated for patients who met 0, 1, 2, and all 3 remission criteria (zero exacerbations,ACQ-5 \< 1.5, or ACQ-5 \<= 0.75,\< 10% FEV1 deterioration). Total remission score ranges from 0 to 3. The higher the score, the more components of remission the patient achieved.
Number of Patients With Adverse Events or Serious Adverse EventsFrom Week 0 (randomization) to Week 48 or end of treatment (total period of study is 2.5 years)The safety and tolerability of benralizumab in patients with severe asthma, while stepping down Symbicort® maintenance treatment and maintaining asthma symptom control was assessed.
Number of Patients With at Least 1 Exacerbation Occurring From End of the Reduction Period to End of the Maintenance PeriodFrom Week 32 to Week 48Number of patients with at least 1 exacerbation occurring from end of the reduction period to end of the maintenance period.

Countries

France, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom

Participant flow

Recruitment details

The study was conducted between 27 July 2020 and 31 January 2023.

Pre-assignment details

Study began with Screening Visit (Visit 1), followed by 4-8 weeks of screening and run-in. Patients previously exposed to benralizumab and ICS/LABA maintenance treatment prior to study entry received a high dose of Symbicort. At week 0 (Visit 2), 168 patients who met inclusion and randomization criteria were selected to participate in study and received study intervention benralizumab. These patients were randomly assigned to either treatment reduction arm or the reference arm.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Treatment Reduction
Patients received benralizumab 30 mg every 8 weeks (Q8W) during the study period, and high-dose Symbicort maintenance 400/12 μg ×2 inhalations BID + Ventolin (salbutamol 100 μg) reliever as needed (PRN), medium-dose Symbicort 200/6 μg ×2 inhalations BID maintenance + Symbicort 200/6 μg reliever PRN, low dose Symbicort 200/6 μg x 1 inhalation BID maintenance + Symbicort 200/6 μg reliever PRN; or Symbicort 200/6 μg reliever only, as per tapering scheme and depending on the degree of asthma control). The reduction period in this arm lasted for 32 weeks.
125
Reference
Patients received benralizumab 30 mg Q8W + high-dose Symbicort® 400/12 μg maintenance × 2 inhalations BID + Ventolin® (salbutamol 100 μg) reliever PRN therapy. Eligible patients randomised to the reference arm continued on high-dose Symbicort® maintenance treatment and Ventolin® reliever treatment.
43
Total168

Withdrawals & dropouts

PeriodReasonFG000FG001
Overall StudyAdverse Event11
Overall StudyDiscontinued from study10
Overall StudyLack of Efficacy10
Overall StudyProtocol Violation11
Overall StudyWithdrawal by Subject44

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicTreatment ReductionReferenceTotal
Age, Continuous58.1 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.44
56.5 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 11.7
57.7 Years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 12.24
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
8 Participants6 Participants14 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
91 Participants28 Participants119 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
26 Participants9 Participants35 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Asian
0 Participants2 Participants2 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Missing
23 Participants9 Participants32 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Not Reported
5 Participants0 Participants5 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
Other
2 Participants1 Participants3 Participants
Race/Ethnicity, Customized
White
95 Participants31 Participants126 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
69 Participants20 Participants89 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
56 Participants23 Participants79 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
EG002
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 1670 / 1250 / 42
other
Total, other adverse events
5 / 16746 / 12520 / 42
serious
Total, serious adverse events
1 / 16712 / 1255 / 42

Outcome results

Primary

Proportion of Patients Who Reduced Their Symbicort® Maintenance Dose at the End of the Reduction Period

Proportion of patients with non-missing Week 32 dose who reduced their Symbicort® maintenance dose at the end of the reduction period (Week 32) to: a) Medium-dose Symbicort® maintenance and reliever therapy (SMART), or b) Low-dose SMART, or c) Symbicort® anti-inflammatory reliever only.

Time frame: At Week 32

Population: The FAS included all randomised patients, irrespective of their protocol adherence and continued participation in the study. Here, overall number of participants analyzed are the patients with available data that were evaluated for this outcome measure within the specified time frame.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (NUMBER)
Treatment ReductionProportion of Patients Who Reduced Their Symbicort® Maintenance Dose at the End of the Reduction PeriodMedium-dose SMART0.151 Proportion of Participants
Treatment ReductionProportion of Patients Who Reduced Their Symbicort® Maintenance Dose at the End of the Reduction PeriodLow-dose SMART0.168 Proportion of Participants
Treatment ReductionProportion of Patients Who Reduced Their Symbicort® Maintenance Dose at the End of the Reduction PeriodSymbicort® reliever-only dose0.605 Proportion of Participants
Secondary

Annualised Asthma Exacerbation Rate During the Study Period

Asthma exacerbation rate was assessed. An asthma exacerbation was defined as a worsening of asthma symptoms that led to any of the following: a) Temporary bolus/burst of systemic corticosteroids (≥3 consecutive days); b) Single depo-injectable dose of corticosteroids (equivalent to a 3-day bolus/burst); c) Visit to emergency room/urgent care (treatment \<24 hours) requiring systemic corticosteroids; d) Hospitalization (admission/evaluation ≥24 hours) due to asthma.

Time frame: From Week 0 up to Week 48

Population: The FAS included all randomised patients, irrespective of their protocol adherence and continued participation in the study.

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Treatment ReductionAnnualised Asthma Exacerbation Rate During the Study Period0.14 Events/Year
ReferenceAnnualised Asthma Exacerbation Rate During the Study Period0.14 Events/Year
Secondary

Change From Baseline in Asthma Control Questionnaire-5 Item (ACQ-5) Score at the End of the Reduction Period

Change from baseline in the ACQ-5 patient reported outcome. This instrument contains 5 asthma symptom questions, rated from 0 (total control) to 6 (severely uncontrolled). The ACQ-5 score is the mean of the responses. Mean scores ≤0.75 indicate well controlled, scores between \>0.75 and \<1.5 indicate partly controlled, ≥1.5 indicate not well controlled asthma, and individual changes of ≥0.5 are considered to be clinically meaningful. ACQ-5 deterioration is defined as at least a 0.5 unit increase in ACQ-5 score from baseline, and a decrease of at least 0.5 units from baseline indicates improved asthma control.

Time frame: Week 0 (baseline) and at Week 32

Population: The FAS included all randomised patients, irrespective of their protocol adherence and continued participation in the study. Here, overall number of participants analyzed are the patients with available data that were evaluated for this outcome measure within the specified time frame.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Treatment ReductionChange From Baseline in Asthma Control Questionnaire-5 Item (ACQ-5) Score at the End of the Reduction Period0.1617 Score on a scaleStandard Error 0.0393
ReferenceChange From Baseline in Asthma Control Questionnaire-5 Item (ACQ-5) Score at the End of the Reduction Period0.0555 Score on a scaleStandard Error 0.0677
Comparison: Comparison with reference arm95% CI: [-0.0485, 0.2609]
Secondary

Change From Baseline in Pre-bronchodilator Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) During the Study Period

The potential for benralizumab-treated patients to maintain lung function while stepping down Symbicort® maintenance treatment was assessed. The FEV1 is the maximal volume of air exhaled in the first second of a forced expiration from a position of full inspiration, expressed in liters. Change from baseline pre-bronchodilator FEV1 calculated as post-baseline pre-bronchodilator FEV1 (L) minus baseline pre-bronchodilator FEV1 (L) for all post-baseline measurement points.

Time frame: At Week 0 (baseline), and at Weeks 8, 16, 24, 32, 40, and 48

Population: The FAS included all randomised patients, irrespective of their protocol adherence and continued participation in the study. Here, overall number of participants analyzed, and number analyzed are the patients with available data that were evaluated for this outcome measure within the specified time frame.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Treatment ReductionChange From Baseline in Pre-bronchodilator Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) During the Study PeriodWeek 80.0411 LiterStandard Error 0.0183
Treatment ReductionChange From Baseline in Pre-bronchodilator Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) During the Study PeriodWeek 160.0299 LiterStandard Error 0.0215
Treatment ReductionChange From Baseline in Pre-bronchodilator Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) During the Study PeriodWeek 24-0.0536 LiterStandard Error 0.0317
Treatment ReductionChange From Baseline in Pre-bronchodilator Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) During the Study PeriodWeek 32-0.0824 LiterStandard Error 0.0285
Treatment ReductionChange From Baseline in Pre-bronchodilator Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) During the Study PeriodWeek 40-0.0953 LiterStandard Error 0.028
Treatment ReductionChange From Baseline in Pre-bronchodilator Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) During the Study PeriodWeek 48-0.0889 LiterStandard Error 0.0272
ReferenceChange From Baseline in Pre-bronchodilator Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) During the Study PeriodWeek 400.0428 LiterStandard Error 0.0476
ReferenceChange From Baseline in Pre-bronchodilator Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) During the Study PeriodWeek 80.0549 LiterStandard Error 0.0315
ReferenceChange From Baseline in Pre-bronchodilator Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) During the Study PeriodWeek 32-0.0016 LiterStandard Error 0.0482
ReferenceChange From Baseline in Pre-bronchodilator Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) During the Study PeriodWeek 160.0115 LiterStandard Error 0.0363
ReferenceChange From Baseline in Pre-bronchodilator Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) During the Study PeriodWeek 480.0059 LiterStandard Error 0.0475
ReferenceChange From Baseline in Pre-bronchodilator Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 Second (FEV1) During the Study PeriodWeek 240.0644 LiterStandard Error 0.054
Secondary

Change From Baseline in Standardised Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire for 12 Years and Older (AQLQ(S)+12) at the End of the Reduction Period

The AQLQ(S)+12 is a Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) that measures the health-related quality of life experienced by asthma patients. The questionnaire comprises 4 separate domains (symptoms, activity limitations, emotional function, and environmental stimuli). Patients are asked to recall their experiences during the previous 2 weeks before each visit and to score each of the questions on a 7-point scale ranging from 7 (no impairment) to 1 (severe impairment). Range of Total Score = 0 - 7 as it is an average of responses to the individual questions. High score = better quality of life, and low score = poor quality of life. Change of \>0.5 from baseline is considered a meaningful improvement in score.

Time frame: Week 0 (baseline) and at Week 32

Population: The FAS included all randomised patients, irrespective of their protocol adherence and continued participation in the study. Here, overall number of participants analyzed are the patients with available data that were evaluated for this outcome measure within the specified time frame.

ArmMeasureValue (LEAST_SQUARES_MEAN)Dispersion
Treatment ReductionChange From Baseline in Standardised Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire for 12 Years and Older (AQLQ(S)+12) at the End of the Reduction Period-0.0279 Score on a scaleStandard Error 0.0559
ReferenceChange From Baseline in Standardised Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire for 12 Years and Older (AQLQ(S)+12) at the End of the Reduction Period0.0064 Score on a scaleStandard Error 0.095
Comparison: Comparison with reference arm95% CI: [-0.2527, 0.1841]Mixed model for repeated measure (MMRM)
Secondary

Change in ACQ-5 From the End of the Reduction Period to the End of the Maintenance Period

Change in ACQ-5 score from end of reduction to end of maintenance is reported. This instrument contains 5 asthma symptom questions, rated from 0 (total control) to 6 (severely uncontrolled). The ACQ-5 score is the mean of the responses. Mean scores ≤0.75 indicate well controlled, scores between \>0.75 and \<1.5 indicate partly controlled, ≥1.5 indicate not well controlled asthma, and individual changes of ≥0.5 are considered to be clinically meaningful. ACQ-5 deterioration is defined as at least a 0.5 unit increase in ACQ-5 score from baseline, and a decrease of at least 0.5 units from baseline indicates improved asthma control.

Time frame: From Week 32 to Week 48

Population: The FAS included all randomised patients, irrespective of their protocol adherence and continued participation in the study. Here, overall number of participants analyzed are the patients with available data that were evaluated for this outcome measure within the specified time frame.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Treatment ReductionChange in ACQ-5 From the End of the Reduction Period to the End of the Maintenance Period-0.07 Score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.575
ReferenceChange in ACQ-5 From the End of the Reduction Period to the End of the Maintenance Period-0.20 Score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.814
Secondary

Change in AQLQ(S)+12 From the End of the Reduction Period to the End of the Maintenance Period

Change in AQLQ(S)+12 from the end of the reduction period to the end of the maintenance period is reported. The AQLQ(S)+12 is a Patient-Reported Outcome (PRO) that measures the health-related quality of life experienced by asthma patients. The questionnaire comprises 4 separate domains (symptoms, activity limitations, emotional function, and environmental stimuli). Patients are asked to recall their experiences during the previous 2 weeks before each visit and to score each of the questions on a 7-point scale ranging from 7 (no impairment) to 1 (severe impairment). Range of Total Score = 0 - 7 as it is an average of responses to the individual questions. High score = better quality of life, and low score = poor quality of life. Change of \>0.5 from baseline is considered a meaningful improvement in score.

Time frame: From Week 32 to Week 48

Population: The FAS included all randomised patients, irrespective of their protocol adherence and continued participation in the study. Here, overall number of participants analyzed are the patients with available data that were evaluated for this outcome measure within the specified time frame.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Treatment ReductionChange in AQLQ(S)+12 From the End of the Reduction Period to the End of the Maintenance Period-0.008 Score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.472
ReferenceChange in AQLQ(S)+12 From the End of the Reduction Period to the End of the Maintenance Period0.060 Score on a scaleStandard Deviation 0.5658
Secondary

Change in FEV1 From the End of the Reduction Period to the End of the Maintenance Period

The change from the end of the reduction period to the end of the maintenance period for pre-bronchodilator Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) was calculated as Week 48 pre-bronchodilator FEV1 (Liter \[L\]) minus the maintenance period baseline pre-bronchodilator FEV1 (L). The FEV1 is the maximal volume of air exhaled in the first second of a forced expiration from a position of full inspiration, expressed in liters.

Time frame: From Week 32 to Week 48

Population: The FAS included all randomised patients, irrespective of their protocol adherence and continued participation in the study. Here, overall number of participants analyzed are the patients with available data that were evaluated for this outcome measure within the specified time frame.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Treatment ReductionChange in FEV1 From the End of the Reduction Period to the End of the Maintenance Period0.0089 LiterStandard Deviation 0.232
ReferenceChange in FEV1 From the End of the Reduction Period to the End of the Maintenance Period0.0040 LiterStandard Deviation 0.2264
Secondary

Cumulative Total Daily Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS) Dose, by Period

The cumulative total daily ICS dose (maintenance +reliever) for: a) reduction period; b) maintenance period; c) study period was assessed.

Time frame: Reduction period (From Week 0 up to Week 32); maintenance period (From Week 32 up to Week 48); Study period (Week 0 up to end of maintenance period/ end of study)

Population: The FAS included all randomised patients, irrespective of their protocol adherence and continued participation in the study. Here, overall number of participants analyzed, and number analyzed are the patients with available data that were evaluated for this outcome measure within the specified time frame.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Treatment ReductionCumulative Total Daily Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS) Dose, by PeriodReduction period115956.8 MicrogramStandard Deviation 73223.93
Treatment ReductionCumulative Total Daily Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS) Dose, by PeriodMaintenance period50984.3 MicrogramStandard Deviation 51148.59
Treatment ReductionCumulative Total Daily Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS) Dose, by PeriodStudy period157560.0 MicrogramStandard Deviation 114123.69
ReferenceCumulative Total Daily Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS) Dose, by PeriodReduction period312857.1 MicrogramStandard Deviation 81251.22
ReferenceCumulative Total Daily Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS) Dose, by PeriodMaintenance period150400.0 MicrogramStandard Deviation 42180.46
ReferenceCumulative Total Daily Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS) Dose, by PeriodStudy period448933.3 MicrogramStandard Deviation 131247.22
Secondary

Number of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission Endpoints

Clinical remission in patients at end of the reduction and maintenance periods was assessed. A remission score, assigning 1 point for each clinical remission component achieved at week 32 or week 48,was calculated for patients who met 0, 1, 2, and all 3 remission criteria (zero exacerbations,ACQ-5 \< 1.5, or ACQ-5 \<= 0.75,\< 10% FEV1 deterioration). Total remission score ranges from 0 to 3. The higher the score, the more components of remission the patient achieved.

Time frame: At Week 32 and Week 48

Population: The FAS included all randomised patients, irrespective of their protocol adherence and continued participation in the study. Here, overall number of participants analyzed and number analyzed are the patients with available data that were evaluated for this outcome measure within the specified time frame.

ArmMeasureGroupCategoryValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score (Exacerbation, ACQ-5 ≤ 0.75, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline) at Week 3202 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score (Exacerbation, ACQ-5 ≤ 0.75, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline) at Week 32115 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score (Exacerbation, ACQ-5 ≤ 0.75, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline) at Week 32240 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score (Exacerbation, ACQ-5 ≤ 0.75, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline) at Week 32329 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score (Exacerbation, ACQ-5 ≤ 0.75, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline) at Week 4801 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score (Exacerbation, ACQ-5 ≤ 0.75, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline) at Week 48115 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score (Exacerbation, ACQ-5 ≤ 0.75, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline) at Week 48241 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score (Exacerbation, ACQ-5 ≤ 0.75, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline) at Week 48332 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score: Exacerbation, ACQ-5 < 1.5, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline at Week 3201 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score: Exacerbation, ACQ-5 < 1.5, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline at Week 3215 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score: Exacerbation, ACQ-5 < 1.5, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline at Week 32232 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score: Exacerbation, ACQ-5 < 1.5, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline at Week 32348 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score: Exacerbation, ACQ-5 < 1.5, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline at Week 4800 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score: Exacerbation, ACQ-5 < 1.5, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline at Week 4815 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score: Exacerbation, ACQ-5 < 1.5, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline at Week 48236 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score: Exacerbation, ACQ-5 < 1.5, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline at Week 48348 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score: Exacerbation, ACQ-5 < 1.5, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline at Week 48319 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score (Exacerbation, ACQ-5 ≤ 0.75, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline) at Week 3200 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score: Exacerbation, ACQ-5 < 1.5, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline at Week 3200 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score (Exacerbation, ACQ-5 ≤ 0.75, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline) at Week 3215 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score: Exacerbation, ACQ-5 < 1.5, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline at Week 4800 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score (Exacerbation, ACQ-5 ≤ 0.75, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline) at Week 3228 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score: Exacerbation, ACQ-5 < 1.5, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline at Week 3212 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score (Exacerbation, ACQ-5 ≤ 0.75, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline) at Week 32315 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score: Exacerbation, ACQ-5 < 1.5, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline at Week 4827 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score (Exacerbation, ACQ-5 ≤ 0.75, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline) at Week 4801 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score: Exacerbation, ACQ-5 < 1.5, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline at Week 3225 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score (Exacerbation, ACQ-5 ≤ 0.75, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline) at Week 4814 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score: Exacerbation, ACQ-5 < 1.5, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline at Week 4812 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score (Exacerbation, ACQ-5 ≤ 0.75, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline) at Week 4829 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score: Exacerbation, ACQ-5 < 1.5, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline at Week 32321 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met 0, 1, 2, and All 3 Composite Remission EndpointsRemission score (Exacerbation, ACQ-5 ≤ 0.75, FEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline) at Week 48314 Participants
Secondary

Number of Patients That Met Each Composite Endpoint Defining Clinical Remission

The number of patients meeting each individual component of the composite endpoint defining clinical remission (zero exacerbations, ACQ-5 \< 1.5, or ACQ-5 \<= 0.75, \< 10% FEV1 deterioration) at the end of reduction and maintenance periods were assessed.

Time frame: At Week 32 and Week 48

Population: The FAS included all randomised patients, irrespective of their protocol adherence and continued participation in the study. Here, overall number of participants analyzed and number analyzed are the patients with available data that were evaluated for this outcome measure within the specified time frame.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met Each Composite Endpoint Defining Clinical RemissionNo asthma exacerbation at Week 32108 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met Each Composite Endpoint Defining Clinical RemissionNo asthma exacerbation at Week 48101 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met Each Composite Endpoint Defining Clinical RemissionACQ-5 <1.5 at Week 32106 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met Each Composite Endpoint Defining Clinical RemissionACQ-5 <1.5 at Week 48103 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met Each Composite Endpoint Defining Clinical RemissionACQ-5 ≤ 0.75 at Week 3265 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met Each Composite Endpoint Defining Clinical RemissionACQ-5 ≤ 0.75 at Week 4868 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met Each Composite Endpoint Defining Clinical RemissionFEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline at Week 3259 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients That Met Each Composite Endpoint Defining Clinical RemissionFEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline at Week 4866 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met Each Composite Endpoint Defining Clinical RemissionFEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline at Week 4823 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met Each Composite Endpoint Defining Clinical RemissionNo asthma exacerbation at Week 3237 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met Each Composite Endpoint Defining Clinical RemissionACQ-5 ≤ 0.75 at Week 3221 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met Each Composite Endpoint Defining Clinical RemissionNo asthma exacerbation at Week 4832 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met Each Composite Endpoint Defining Clinical RemissionFEV1 < 10% decrease from baseline at Week 3226 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met Each Composite Endpoint Defining Clinical RemissionACQ-5 <1.5 at Week 3232 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met Each Composite Endpoint Defining Clinical RemissionACQ-5 ≤ 0.75 at Week 4821 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients That Met Each Composite Endpoint Defining Clinical RemissionACQ-5 <1.5 at Week 4832 Participants
Secondary

Number of Patients With Adverse Events or Serious Adverse Events

The safety and tolerability of benralizumab in patients with severe asthma, while stepping down Symbicort® maintenance treatment and maintaining asthma symptom control was assessed.

Time frame: From Week 0 (randomization) to Week 48 or end of treatment (total period of study is 2.5 years)

Population: The safety analysis set (SAF) included all patients from the FAS who were randomized to the study and received any amount of study treatment during the ICS reduction and maintenance periods and used for all safety analyses. Here, overall number of participants analyzed are the patients with available data that were evaluated for this outcome measure within the specified time frame.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients With Adverse Events or Serious Adverse EventsAny AE leading to discontinuation of benralizumab3 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients With Adverse Events or Serious Adverse EventsAny AE leading to discontinuation of Symbicort3 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients With Adverse Events or Serious Adverse EventsAny adverse event (AE)91 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients With Adverse Events or Serious Adverse EventsAny AE leading to discontinuation of Ventolin2 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients With Adverse Events or Serious Adverse EventsAny serious adverse event (including events with outcome = death)12 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients With Adverse Events or Serious Adverse EventsAny AE leading to withdrawal from study3 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients With Adverse Events or Serious Adverse EventsAny AE with outcome = death0 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients With Adverse Events or Serious Adverse EventsAny AE leading to withdrawal from study1 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients With Adverse Events or Serious Adverse EventsAny adverse event (AE)35 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients With Adverse Events or Serious Adverse EventsAny AE with outcome = death0 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients With Adverse Events or Serious Adverse EventsAny serious adverse event (including events with outcome = death)5 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients With Adverse Events or Serious Adverse EventsAny AE leading to discontinuation of Symbicort1 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients With Adverse Events or Serious Adverse EventsAny AE leading to discontinuation of Ventolin1 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients With Adverse Events or Serious Adverse EventsAny AE leading to discontinuation of benralizumab1 Participants
Secondary

Number of Patients With at Least 1 Exacerbation Occurring From End of the Reduction Period to End of the Maintenance Period

Number of patients with at least 1 exacerbation occurring from end of the reduction period to end of the maintenance period.

Time frame: From Week 32 to Week 48

Population: The FAS included all randomised patients, irrespective of their protocol adherence and continued participation in the study.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients With at Least 1 Exacerbation Occurring From End of the Reduction Period to End of the Maintenance Period5 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients With at Least 1 Exacerbation Occurring From End of the Reduction Period to End of the Maintenance Period4 Participants
Secondary

Number of Patients With no Deterioration in ACQ-5 at the End of the Reduction Period

Change from baseline in the ACQ-5 patient reported outcome. This instrument contains 5 asthma symptom questions, rated from 0 (total control) to 6 (severely uncontrolled). The ACQ-5 score is the mean of the responses. Mean scores ≤0.75 indicate well controlled, scores between \>0.75 and \<1.5 indicate partly controlled, ≥1.5 indicate not well controlled asthma, and individual changes of ≥0.5 are considered to be clinically meaningful. ACQ-5 deterioration is defined as at least a 0.5 units increase in ACQ-5 score from baseline, and a decrease of at least 0.5 units from baseline indicates improved asthma control.

Time frame: At Week 32

Population: The FAS included all randomised patients, irrespective of their protocol adherence and continued participation in the study.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients With no Deterioration in ACQ-5 at the End of the Reduction PeriodImprovement6 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients With no Deterioration in ACQ-5 at the End of the Reduction PeriodNo change87 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients With no Deterioration in ACQ-5 at the End of the Reduction PeriodImprovement2 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients With no Deterioration in ACQ-5 at the End of the Reduction PeriodNo change28 Participants
Secondary

Number of Patients With no Deterioration in AQLQ(S)+12 at the End of the Reduction Period

The AQLQ(S)+12 is a PRO that measures the health-related quality of life experienced by asthma patients. The questionnaire comprises 4 separate domains (symptoms, activity limitations, emotional function, and environmental stimuli). Patients are asked to recall their experiences during the previous 2 weeks before each visit and to score each of the questions on a 7-point scale ranging from 7 (no impairment) to 1 (severe impairment). AQLQ(S)+12 deterioration was defined as at least a 0.5 unit decrease in AQLQ(S)+12 total score from baseline. Patients with no deterioration include patients with improvement or no change.

Time frame: At Week 32

Population: The FAS included all randomised patients, irrespective of their protocol adherence and continued participation in the study.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients With no Deterioration in AQLQ(S)+12 at the End of the Reduction PeriodImprovement12 Participants
Treatment ReductionNumber of Patients With no Deterioration in AQLQ(S)+12 at the End of the Reduction PeriodNo change73 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients With no Deterioration in AQLQ(S)+12 at the End of the Reduction PeriodImprovement3 Participants
ReferenceNumber of Patients With no Deterioration in AQLQ(S)+12 at the End of the Reduction PeriodNo change28 Participants
Secondary

Proportion of Participants Using the Same Symbicort® Daily Dose at the End of the Maintenance Period (Week 48) That They Achieved at the End of the Reduction Period (Week 32)

Proportion of patients using the same Symbicort daily dose at the end of the maintenance period that they achieved at the end of the reduction period. Proportions were based on patients with non-missing Week 32 and Week 48 Symbicort doses.

Time frame: At Week 48

Population: The FAS included all randomised patients, irrespective of their protocol adherence and continued participation in the study. Here, overall number of participants analyzed are the patients with available data that were evaluated for this outcome measure within the specified time frame.

ArmMeasureValue (NUMBER)
Treatment ReductionProportion of Participants Using the Same Symbicort® Daily Dose at the End of the Maintenance Period (Week 48) That They Achieved at the End of the Reduction Period (Week 32)0.958 Proportion
Secondary

Total Daily ICS Dose From the End of the Reduction Period to the End of the Maintenance Period

Total daily ICS dose from the end of the reduction period to the end of the maintenance period.

Time frame: Week 32, Week 40, and Week 48

Population: The FAS included all randomised patients, irrespective of their protocol adherence and continued participation in the study. Here, overall number of participants analyzed, and number analyzed are the patients with available data that were evaluated for this outcome measure within the specified time frame.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Treatment ReductionTotal Daily ICS Dose From the End of the Reduction Period to the End of the Maintenance PeriodWeek 32383.221 MicrogramStandard Deviation 440.9649
Treatment ReductionTotal Daily ICS Dose From the End of the Reduction Period to the End of the Maintenance PeriodWeek 40408.458 MicrogramStandard Deviation 475.6986
Treatment ReductionTotal Daily ICS Dose From the End of the Reduction Period to the End of the Maintenance PeriodWeek 48376.356 MicrogramStandard Deviation 449.6614
ReferenceTotal Daily ICS Dose From the End of the Reduction Period to the End of the Maintenance PeriodWeek 321438.685 MicrogramStandard Deviation 220.6355
ReferenceTotal Daily ICS Dose From the End of the Reduction Period to the End of the Maintenance PeriodWeek 401424.624 MicrogramStandard Deviation 321.5752
ReferenceTotal Daily ICS Dose From the End of the Reduction Period to the End of the Maintenance PeriodWeek 481265.356 MicrogramStandard Deviation 472.5244
Secondary

Total Daily ICS Dose (Maintenance + Reliever) at the End of the Reduction Period

The mean total daily ICS dose (maintenance + reliever) during the 8 weeks prior to end of the reduction period was assessed.

Time frame: At Week 32

Population: The FAS included all randomised patients, irrespective of their protocol adherence and continued participation in the study. Here, overall number of participants analyzed are the patients with available data that were evaluated for this outcome measure within the specified time frame.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)Dispersion
Treatment ReductionTotal Daily ICS Dose (Maintenance + Reliever) at the End of the Reduction Period380.028 MicrogramStandard Deviation 440.4995
ReferenceTotal Daily ICS Dose (Maintenance + Reliever) at the End of the Reduction Period1401.796 MicrogramStandard Deviation 316.9718

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 9, 2026