Oral Budesonide vs. Oral Mesalazine in Active Crohn's Disease (CD)

Inclusion Criteria (main): Symptoms of Crohn's disease since at least 3 months; diagnosis confirmed by endoscopic and histological, or endoscopic and radiological criteria [endoscopy not older than 12 months or if older, then clinical signs (e.g. pain localization, pain intensity, blood in stool) and behaviour (according to Vienna classification) should be unchanged compared to former episodes] Localisation of CD either in terminal ileum, ascending colon or ileocolitis Active phase of disease (200 < CDAI < 400) Exclusion Criteria (main): Known Crohn's lesion in the upper GI-tract (up to and including the jejunum) with present symptoms CD in the rectum currently present Short bowel syndrome Septic complications Baseline stool positive for germs causing bowel disease Abscess, perforation or active fistulas Ileostomy or colostomy Resection of more than 50 cm of the ileum Bowel surgery within the last 3 months Immediate surgery required Clinical signs of stricturing disease Subileus within the last 6 months Suspicion of ileus, subileus or corresponding symptomatology Contra-indications, special warnings and precautions mentioned in SmPC Treatment with immunosuppressants, cytostatics, 6-TG, methotrexate, or cyclosporine within the last 3 months; in case of treatment with azathioprine or 6-MP the drugs have to be used for maintenance of remission only and dosage has to be unchanged within the last 3 months before baseline visit and during the study Treatment with ketoconazole, ciprofloxacin or other CYP3A inhibitors within the last month before baseline visit Treatment with anti-TNF-a therapy within 6 months before baseline visit Conventional steroids (iv, po, rectal) within 2 weeks before the study > 6 mg/d budesonide po or > 3 g/d mesalazine po within 2 weeks before the study Patients known to be steroid-refractory or steroid-dependent from former CD episodes Treatment of study disease with oral antibiotics (e.g., metronidazole) within the last 2 weeks