An Open Label, Multi Centre Phase IV Study of Adefovir Dipivoxil in Korean Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB)

Objective(s) The primary study objective is to assess the antiviral effect of 12 weeks of adefovir dipivoxil treatment in Korean patients with chronic hepatitis B and compensated liver disease. The secondary study objectives are to assess the antiviral effect, clinical benefit and safety of 52 weeks of adefovir dipivoxil treatment. Endpoint(s) The primary efficacy endpoint is "Mean log10 reduction in serum HBV DNA level from baseline to Week 12". The secondary efficacy endpoints include (a) the proportion of patients achieving serum ALT normalization at Week 52, (b) other assessments of antiviral effects (the proportion of patients achieving HBV DNA no less than 300 copies per mL at Week 52), (c)HBeAg loss, HBeAg seroconversion, HBsAg loss and HBsAg seroconversion, (d)the proportion of patients achieving serum ALT normalization at Week 12. Study Design This is an open label, multi centre phase IV study for Korean patients with chronic hepatitis B and compensated liver disease, assessing the antiviral effect of 12 weeks treatment of Adefovir dipivoxil as a primary objective and antiviral effect, clinical benefit and safety of 52 weeks treatment as secondary objectives. Patients will be screened for eligibility criteria and the baseline visit for the treatment initiation should occur no more than 4 weeks after screening. Total treatment period will be 52 weeks and patients will return to the clinic for assessments as scheduled during treatment period. After the 52 week study period, it is likely that the patient will benefit from continued treatment with commercial adefovir. If in the investigator's clinical judgement this is the case, the investigator should ensure that a routine prescription is available in a timely manner, and that no unnecessary interruption in treatment occurs. Study Population A minimum of 100 male or female Korean patients more than 18 years of age with HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B and compensated liver disease who meet the eligibili