Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of Fluticasone Furoate/Vilanterol Inhalation Powder (FF/VI) Compared With Vilanterol Inhalation Powder (VI) in Subjects With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Inclusion Criteria

• Type of subject: Outpatient
• Informed consent: Subjects must give their signed and dated written informed consent to participate
• Gender: Male subjects or female subjects. Female subjects must be post-menopausal or using a highly effective method for avoidance of pregnancy. The decision to include or exclude women of childbearing potential may be made at the discretion of the investigator in accordance with local practice in relation to adequate contraception.
• Age: >=40 years of age at Screening (Visit 1)
• COPD diagnosis: Subjects with a clinical history of COPD in accordance with the definition by the American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society: COPD is a preventable and treatable disease characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible. The airflow limitation is usually progressive and is associated with an abnormal inflammatory response of the lungs to noxious particles or gases, primarily caused by cigarette smoking. Although COPD affects the lungs, it is also associated with significant systemic consequences.
• Severity of disease: Subjects with a measured post-albuterol (salbutamol) FEV1/ Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) ratio of =30 to =10 pack-years of cigarette smoking at Screening (Visit 1). Former smokers are defined as those who have stopped smoking for at least 6 months prior to Visit 1.
• History of COPD exacerbation: A documented history (e.g., medical record verification) of at least one COPD exacerbation in the 12 months prior to Screening (Visit 1) that required either systemic/oral corticosteroids, antibiotics and/or hospitalization.
• Current symptoms of COPD: A Subject Diary combined symptom score (combination of breathlessness, cough, sputum, and night time awakenings requiring treatment with albuterol [salbutamol]) of >=4 on at least 5 of the 7 days immediately preceding Visit 2 (Randomization)
• QTc Criteria: QTc 60 beats per minute (bpm), uncontrolled hypertension, New Your Heart Association Class IV, known left ventricular ejection fraction <30 percent) neurological, psychiatric, renal, hepatic, immunological, endocrine (including uncontrolled diabetes or thyroid disease), peptic ulcer disease, or hematological abnormalities.
• Liver disease: Subjects who have unstable liver disease (as defined by the presence of ascites, encephalopathy, coagulopathy, hypoalbuminaemia, oesophageal or gastric varices or persistent jaundice), cirrhosis, known biliary abnormalities (with the exception of Gilbert's syndrome or asymptomatic gallstones). Note: Subjects with chronic stable hepatitis B and C are eligible if the subject otherwise meets entry criteria (e.g., presence of hepatitis B surface antigen or positive hepatitis C test result within 3 months of screening). However, subjects with chronic stable hepatitis B are excluded if significant immunosuppressive or cytotoxic agents are administered, due to risk of hepatitis B reactivation, unless the hepatitis B antivirals are administered as outlined in the Chronic Hepatitis B American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases' (AASLD) Practice Guidelines.
• Cancer: Subjects with carcinoma that has not been in complete remission for at least 5 years. Carcinoma in situ of the cervix, squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma of the skin would not be excluded if the subject has been considered cured within 5 years since diagnosis.
• Contraindications: Subjects with a history of allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the study medications (e.g. beta-agonists, corticosteroids) or components of the inhalation powder (e.g., lactose, magnesium stearate). In addition, subjects with a history of severe milk protein allergy that, in the opinion of the investigator, contraindicates the subject's participation will also be excluded.
• Drug/alcohol abuse: Subjects with a known or suspected history of alcohol or drug abuse within the last 2 years
• Medication prior to spirometry: Subjects who are medically unable to withh