A Study of Omalizumab (Xolair) in Subjects With Moderate to Severe Persistent Asthma (EXTRA)

Inclusion Criteria: Signed Informed Consent Form and an informed assent, if applicable Be between the ages of 12 to 75 years Have had a history of moderate to severe asthma for at least one year prior to screening Have had treatment with a stable regimen of of salmeterol 50 µg twice a day (BID) or formoterol 12 µg BID for at least 8 weeks prior to screening Have had treatment with a stable regimen of high-dose inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) for at least 8 weeks prior to screening Have inadequately controlled asthma Have had at least one asthma exacerbation requiring systemic corticosteroid rescue in the 12 months prior to the screening visit while receiving treatment with high-dose ICS Have less than 10 pack-years smoking history Have a positive skin test for or a positive, in vitro response to one relevant perennial aeroallergen documented within the 12 months prior to screening If a subject has not had a positive skin test or in vitro reactivity in the 12 months prior to screening, the subject must demonstrate a positive response to at least one relevant perennial aeroallergen in a skin or in vitro test prior to randomization Female subjects of childbearing potential must use an effective method of contraception from screening through their duration of participation in the study For the collection of additional blood samples for future research (optional), provide signed consent and an informed assent, if applicable. Exclusion Criteria: Have had an asthma exacerbation requiring intubation within 12 months prior to screening Have active lung disease other than asthma Have had an asthma exacerbation requiring treatment with the addition of systemic (oral or intravenous) corticosteroids or an increase in systemic corticosteroids within 30 days prior to screening Require chronic immunosuppressive therapy including cyclosporine, methotrexate, etc. Have significant medical illness other than asthma Have taken methotrexate, gold salts, cyclosporine, or macrolide antibiotics, within 3 months prior to screening Have taken other investigational drugs within 30 days prior to screening Have been treated with Xolair within the 12 months prior to screening Have a history of drug or alcohol abuse that, in the judgment of the investigator, may put the subject at risk for being unable to participate fully in the study for the duration of the study Have elevated serum IgE levels for reasons other than allergy Are pregnant or lactating