Comparison of Indacaterol 150 mcg Once Daily (o.d.) With Salmeterol/Fluticasone Propionate 50 mcg/500 mcg Twice Daily (b.i.d.)
Comparison of Indacaterol 150 mcg Once Daily (o.d.) With Salmeterol/Fluticasone Propionate 50 mcg/500 mcg Twice Daily (b.i.d.)
The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness and safety of indacaterol with
 salmeterol /fluticasone propionate treatment in patients with moderate chronic obstructive
 pulmonary disease who, on entry to the study are being treated with salmeterol /fluticasone
 propionate.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients with moderate COPD (Stage II)

 -  Able to perform spirometry assessments

 -  Current or ex-smokers

 -  On treatment with the fixed-dose combination of salmeterol 50 µg/fluticasone
 propionate 500 µg MDDPI b.i.d. for the treatment of COPD for ≥ 3 months directly
 preceding Visit 1.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Having had a COPD exacerbation that required treatment with antibiotics and/or oral
 corticosteroids and/or hospitalization in the past year.

 -  Having a history of, or current ECG abnormality

 -  Asthma

 Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply.