ADVANCE Study: A Study of PEGASYS (Peginterferon Alfa-2a (40KD)) + Adefovir Dipivoxil in Patients With Hbe(-) Chronic Hepatitis B

This 3 arm study will compare the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with PEGASYS + adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) versus PEGASYS monotherapy, in HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B patients.Patients will be randomized to receive 1)PEGASYS 180 micrograms sc weekly + ADV 10mg po daily for 48 weeks, followed by ADV 10mg po monotherapy for an additional 48 weeks, and a further 48 week treatment-free follow-up, 2)PEGASYS 180 micrograms sc weekly + ADV 10mg po daily for 48 weeks, followed by a 96 week treatment-free follow-up, or 3)PEGASYS 180 micrograms sc monotherapy weekly for 48 weeks, followed by a 96 week treatment-free follow-up. The anticipated time on study treatment is 1-2 years, and the target sample size is \<100 individuals.