A Study to Assess the Effect of QAW039 in Non-atopic Asthmatic Patients

This is a multi-centre, randomised, placebo-controlled, double blind, 3-arm study designed
to compare the efficacy and safety of a once daily dose of QAW039 with placebo in non-atopic
and atopic asthmatics both inadequately controlled despite receiving a low dose ICS
background therapy, over a 12 week treatment period. Efficacy and safety of a once daily
dose of QAW039 is also compared with an increased dose of ICS in atopic asthmatics taking
low dose ICS as background therapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Written informed consent must be obtained before any assessment is performed

- Patients with a diagnosis of persistent asthma (according to Global Initiative for
Asthma 2011) for a period of at least 6 months prior to screening

- Patients with a pre-bronchodilator Forced Expiratory Volume In One Second (FEV1)
value of 40% to 80% of individual predicted value at screening and prior to treatment

- An Asthma Control Questionnaire score ≥ 1.5 prior to treatment

- Demonstration of reversible airway obstruction

Exclusion Criteria:

- Pregnant or nursing (lactating) women

- Acute illness other than asthma at the start of the study

- Patients with clinically significant laboratory abnormalities at screening

- Patients with clinically significant condition which may compromise subject safety or
interfere with study evaluation

- Use of other investigational drugs at the time of enrollment