Once Daily (OD) Versus Three Times Daily (TID) Dosing With Mesalazine Granules for Prevention of Recurrence of Ulcerative Colitis (UC)

Inclusion Criteria:

• Signed informed consent,

• Men or women aged 18 to 75 years,

• Historically confirmed diagnosis of ulcerative colitis by endoscopy and histology,

• Patient being in remission, defined (according to Rachmilewitz) as: Clinical Activity Index (CAI) <= 4, and Endoscopic Index (EI) < 4,

• Extent of inflammation during last acute episode was >15 cm beyond the anal margin,

• Last acute episode ended within 3 months prior to study entry.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Crohn's disease,

• Prior bowel resection leading to diarrhoea,

• Toxic megacolon,

• Gastric or duodenal ulcer,

• Haemorrhagic diathesis,

• Presence of symptomatic organic disease of the gastrointestinal tract (with theexception of haemorrhoids or hiatal hernia),

• Active colorectal cancer or a history of colorectal cancer,

• Serious other secondary illnesses of an acute or chronic nature,

• Asthma,

• Severe impairment of renal (e.g., serum creatinine > 1.5 mg/dl) and/or liver functions (e.g., serum transaminase [ALT and/or AST] or alkaline phosphatase >=2x upper limit ofnormal [ULN]),

• Application of immunosuppressants within 3 months and/or corticosteroids (oral,intravenous [IV] or topical rectal) within 30 days prior to baseline,

• Application of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as long term treatment (i.e. > 6 weeks), other than acetylsalicylic acid (<= 350 mg/day), or paracetamol,

• Known intolerance/hypersensitivity to salicylic acid and its derivatives or to any ofthe other constituents of the study drugs,

• Well-founded doubt about the patient's cooperation,

• Existing or intended pregnancy, breast-feeding,

• Women of child-bearing potential without adequate contraceptive protection, e.g.,hormonal contraception, intrauterine device (IUD), double-barrier method ofcontraception (e.g., use of a condom and spermicide), partner has undergone vasectomyand subject is in monogamous relationship. The investigator is responsible fordetermining whether the subject has adequate birth control for study participation,

• Participation in another clinical trial within the last 30 days,simultaneousparticipation in another clinical trial, or previous participation in this trial.