A Study in Preterm Neonates With Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) Comparing CUROSURF® Administration Through Less Invasive Surfactant Administration (LISA) and Conventional Administration

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Written informed consent obtained by parents/legal representative (according to localregulation) prior to or after birth
2. Preterm neonates of either sex aged ≥30 minutes and <24 hours, spontaneously breathingand stabilized on non-invasive ventilation (NIV).
3. Gestational age of 25+0 weeks up to 28+6 completed weeks, except for the first 15enrolled neonates in which the gestational age will be restricted to 27+0 weeks up to 28+6 weeks.
4. Clinical course consistent with RDS.
5. Fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) ≥0.30 to maintain preductal oxygen saturation (SpO2) between 88-95%.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Need for immediate endotracheal intubation for cardiopulmonary resuscitation orinsufficient respiratory drive
2. Use of nasal high frequency oscillatory ventilation (nHFOV) prior to study entry
3. Use of surfactant prior to study entry and need for intratracheal administration ofany other treatment (e.g. nitric oxide)
4. Known genetic or chromosomal disorders, major congenital anomalies (congenital heartdiseases, myelomeningocele etc)
5. Mothers with prolonged rupture of the membranes (> 21 days duration)
6. Presence of air leaks if identified and known prior to study entry
7. Evidence of severe birth asphyxia (e.g. continued need for resuscitation at 10 minutesafter birth, altered neurological state, or neonatal encephalopathy)
8. Neonatal seizures prior to study entry
9. Any condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator, would place the neonate atundue risk
10. Participation in another clinical trial of any medicinal product, placebo,experimental medical device, or biological substance conducted under the provisions ofa protocol on the same therapeutic target.