ADVAIR® DISKUS® Inhaler (Fluticasone Propionate/Salmeterol) Versus SEREVENT® DISKUS® Inhaler (Salmeterol) For The Treatment Of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Exacerbations. ADVAIR® DISKUS® Inhaler and SEREVENT® DISKUS® Inhaler Are Trademarks of the GSK Group of Companies.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Parallel Group, 52-week Study to Compare the Effect of the Fluticasone Propionate/Salmeterol DISKUS® inhaler Combination Product 250/50mcg twice daily (BID) with Salmeterol DISKUS® inhaler 50mcg BID on the Annual Rate of Moderate/Severe Exacerbations in Subjects with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
• Current or previous cigarette smokers with a smoking history of at least 10 pack-years.
• History of a least 1 COPD exacerbation in the 12 months prior to screening.
• Forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) of less than or equal to 50% of predicted normal.

Exclusion criteria

• Current diagnosis of asthma.
• Additional respiratory disorders other than COPD (eg, sarcoidosis, alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, cystic fibrosis, or active tuberculosis).
• Concurrent use of long-acting beta-agonists, long-acting anticholinergics, inhaled and oral corticosteroids, theophylline, investigational medications, ritonavir, and anti-leukotrienes.
• Lung resection surgery within 1 year of screening.
• Abnormal and clinically significant ECG findings at screening.
• Other inclusion and exclusion criteria will be evaluated at the first study visit.