Clinical Trials

Inclusion Criteria:

• Enrolled in the Hepatitis B Research Network (HBRN) Cohort Study or completed the necessary components of the Cohort baseline evaluation by the end of the baseline visit for this study.
• At least 18 years of age at the time of randomization (day 0).
• Chronic HBV infection as evidenced by at least one of the following: a. HBsAg positive result within 8 weeks prior to randomization and another time at least 24 weeks prior to randomization with no HBsAg negative result in between.
  • HBsAg positive plus absence of detectable anti-HBc IgM in serum within 8 weeks prior to randomization.
  • HBsAg positive within 8 weeks prior to randomization and HBV DNA ≥1,000 IU/mL on 2 occasions at least 24 weeks apart (can include result from screening visit within 8 weeks of randomization).
  • HBsAg positive within 8 weeks prior to randomization plus evidence of chronic hepatitis B infection as indicated by a liver biopsy within 144 weeks of randomization.
• HeAg positive or negative.
• Serum HBV DNA ≥1000 IU/mL on 2 occasions at least 4 weeks apart within the 32 weeks prior to randomization (can include result from screening visit within 8 weeks of randomization).
• At least two elevated serum ALT levels (>45 U/L for males and >30 U/L for females) at least 4 weeks, and no more than 32 weeks apart with the second being within 8 weeks of randomization.
• Compensated liver disease, with total bilirubin ≤2 mg/dL (except if Gilbert’s syndrome), direct bilirubin ≤0.5 mg/dL, INR ≤1.5, and serum albumin ≥3.5 g/dL
• No evidence of HCC based upon alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ≤20ng/mL within 8 weeks prior to randomization: a. Participants who meet AASLD criteria for HCC surveillance must have negative liver imaging by ultrasound (US), computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MR) within 28 weeks of randomization as part of standard of care.
  • Participants with AFP >20 ng/mL must be evaluated clinically with additional imaging and shown not to have HCC on CT or MRI.
• Liver biopsy that shows findings consistent with chronic hepatitis B with the Modified Ishak histology activity index (HAI) ≥3 (necroinflammatory component only) or Ishak fibrosis score ≥1 or both, as assessed by the local consortium pathologist on review of a liver biopsy done within 144 weeks of randomization. Slides must be available for review by the local consortium pathologist and meet adequacy requirements. If the participant had received previous treatment for hepatitis B, the biopsy must have been done after discontinuation of treatment.
• Females of child bearing potential must agree to use an adequate method of contraception throughout the study and must have a negative pregnancy test immediately prior to the start of treatment.
• Provide informed consent and agree to adhere to the requirements of the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Serum ALT >450 U/L for males and >300 U/L for females (participants are eligible for re-screening if ALT levels fall to the range of eligibility).
• Treatment with interferon or nucleos(t)ide analogues for hepatitis B within 48 weeks of randomization.
• More than 48 weeks of therapy with nucleos(t)ide analogues for hepatitis B at any time in the past.
• History of hepatic decompensation including, but not limited to, ascites, variceal bleeding, or hepatic encephalopathy.
• Known allergy or intolerance to any of the study medications.
• Females who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Previous organ transplantation including engrafted bone marrow transplant.
• Any other concomitant liver disease, including hemochromatosis or hepatitis C or D. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with steatosis and/or mild to moderate steatohepatitis is acceptable but NALFD with severe steatohepatitis is exclusionary.
• Positive anti-HIV (test to be completed within 8 weeks prior to randomization).
• Renal insufficiency with calculated (by MDRD method) creatinine clearance <60 mL/min within 8 weeks prior to randomization.
• Platelet count <90,000 /mm3, hemoglobin <13 g/dL (males) or <12 g/dL (females), absolute neutrophil count <1500 /mm3 (<1000/mm3 for African-Americans) within 8 weeks prior to randomization.
• History of alcohol or drug abuse within 48 weeks of randomization.
• Pre-existing psychiatric condition(s), including, but not limited to:
  • Current moderate or severe depression as determined by the study physician.
  • History of depression requiring hospitalization within past 10 years.
  • History of suicidal or homicidal attempt within the past 10 years.
  • History of severe psychiatric disorders including, but not limited to, schizophrenia, psychosis, bipolar disorder as determined by a study physician.
• History of immune-mediated disease, or cerebrovascular, chronic pulmonary or cardiac disease associated with functional limitation, retinopathy, uncontrolled thyroid disease, poorly controlled diabetes or uncontrolled seizure disorder, as determined by a study physician.
• Any medical condition that would, in the opinion of a study physician be predicted to be exacerbated by therapy or that would limit study participation.
• Any medical condition requiring, or likely to require, chronic systemic administration of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications during the course of this study.
• Evidence of active or suspected malignancy, or a history of malignancy within the last 144 weeks prior to randomization (except adequately treated carcinoma in situ or basal cell carcinoma of the skin).
• Expected need for ongoing use of any antivirals with activity against HBV during the course of the study.
• Participation in any other clinical trial involving investigational drugs within 30 days of randomization or intention to participate in another clinical trial involving investigational drugs during participation in this study.
• Any other condition that in the opinion of a study physician would make the participant unsuitable for enrollment or could interfere with the participant participating in and completing the study.