- receiving high dose inhaled corticosteroid (at least 1000ug beclomethasone dipropionate or equivalent) and a regular inhaled long acting B-2 agonist for at least 3 months prior to screening and prior to at least two independent asthma exacerbations requiring unscheduled clinical intervention with a systemic corticosteroid in the past year or the severe asthma exacerbation requiring the hospitalization/ER visit.