Efficacy of Omalizumab in Adults (18-60 Years of Age) With Moderate-Severe, Persistent Allergic Asthma, Despite Receiving Inhaled Corticosteroids and Long Acting Beta-agonists

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients 18-75 years of age with moderate to severe persistent allergic asthma receiving a high dose inhaled corticosteroid (≥800µg per day BDP or equivalent) and a regular long acting beta-agonist for at least 3 months prior to screening * With a body weight between 20 and 150kg and a serum total IgE level of 30 to 700 IU/mL * With ≥2% eosinophilia in induced sputum at screening * With post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) ≥60% predicted * With a positive skin prick test (diameter of wheal ≥ 3 mm) or RAST test to at least one perennial aero-allergen (eg. dust mite, cat/dog dander, cockroaches), documented within the past 2 years or demonstrated at Visit 1, to which the patient will be exposed on a regular basis (most days) for the duration of the study. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who've had an asthma exacerbation during the 4 weeks prior to randomization * Current smokers, stopped smoking within the last 12 months or have a smoking history of \>10 pack years * History of severe allergy to food or drugs * Previous treatment with omalizumab * Any patient considered to be unsuitable to bronchoscopy, according to the judgment of the investigator Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria applied.