A Study of Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2A in Combination With Lamivudine or Entecavir Compared With Untreated Control Group in Children With Hepatitis B Envelope Antigen (HBeAg)-Positive Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) in the Immune-Tolerant Phase

This randomized, controlled, parallel group, open-label multicenter study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combination of pegylated interferon alfa-2A (Pegasys) plus lamivudine or entecavir compared with an untreated control group in participants with HBeAg positive CHB in the immune tolerant phase. NOTE: STUDY RECRUITMENT HAS BEEN TERMINATED


Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Positive for HBsAg and HBeAg for more than 6 months prior to baseline
* Detectable HBV-DNA (\>20,000 IU/mL) as measured by polymerization chain reaction (PCR) or hybridization on at least 2 occasions at least one month apart with the latest determination obtained less than or equal to (\</=) 42 days prior to baseline
* Compensated liver disease (Child-Pugh Class A clinical classification)
* Either Liver biopsy performed within 2 years prior to baseline showing no or minimal fibrosis (Liver Biopsy Scores and stable normal ALT levels (less than or equal to upper limit of normal \[ULN\]) during the 6 months leading up to baseline (including two separate occasions at least 1 month apart over the 6 months prior to baseline). Screening ALT levels must be normal (\</= ULN) OR Stable normal ALT levels (\</= ULN), during the 1 year leading up to baseline (including three separate occasions at least 1 month apart over the 1 year prior to baseline) and no signs of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis, or splenomegaly on liver abdominal ultrasound at screening. Screening ALT levels must be normal (\</= ULN)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants who have received investigational drugs or licensed treatments with anti HBV activity (Exception: Participants who have had a limited \[\</= 7-day\] course of acyclovir for herpetic lesions more than 1 month before the study baseline visit are not excluded)
* Participants who have participated in any other clinical trial or who have received any investigational drug within 6 months prior to baseline
* Known hypersensitivity to interferon (IFN), pegylated interferon-alfa-2a or lamivudine or entecavir
* Positive test results at screening for hepatitis A virus Immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibody (Ab), anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) Ab, anti- hepatitis D (HDV) Ab or anti-human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Ab
* Decompensated liver disease (e.g., Child-Pugh Class B or C clinical classification or clinical evidence such as ascites or varices)
* Advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis
* Suspicion of HCC on liver abdominal ultrasound (all patients to have liver abdominal ultrasound within 6 months prior to baseline)
* History or other evidence of a medical condition associated with chronic liver disease other than CHB including metabolic liver diseases such as hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease or alpha-1 anti-trypsin deficiency
* Active substance abuse within 6 months prior to screening
* Sexually active females of childbearing potential and sexually active males who are not willing to utilize reliable contraception during treatment and for 90 days following the end of treatment
* Females who are pregnant or who are breastfeeding (females of childbearing potential who have a positive urine or serum pregnancy test result within 24 hours of baseline are excluded)