Telbivudine Versus Lamivudine in Adults With Decompensated Chronic Hepatitis B and Evidence of Cirrhosis

Randomized, Double-Blind Trial of Telbivudine Versus Lamivudine in Adults With Decompensated Chronic Hepatitis B and Evidence of Cirrhosis

This research study was conducted to compare the safety and effectiveness of the investigational medication, LdT (Telbivudine) versus Lamivudine, a drug currently approved by the US, European and Asian Health Authorities for the treatment of Hepatitis B infection. The results for patients taking LdT will be compared to results for patients taking lamivudine.

Multicenter, multinational, randomized, double-blind study designed to compare the safety and efficacy of telbivudine (600 mg/day) versus lamivudine (100 mg/day) for 104 weeks in adults with decompensated chronic hepatitis B and evidence of cirrhosis. Patients were pre-stratified by screening Child-Turcotte-Pugh score (CTP score < 9 or ≥ 9) and ALT level (within normal limits (WNL) or > 1.0 x ULN) to help assure similar degrees of hepatic insufficiency and liver inflammation on both treatment arms. After 104 weeks of treatment, participants were followed-up with for an additional 16 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Documented decompensated chronic hepatitis B defined by all of the following: 1. Clinical history compatible with decompensated chronic hepatitis B related cirrhosis; 2. Child-Turcotte-Pugh score > 7 points.
• Evidence of hepatic cirrhosis or portal hypertension.

Other protocol-defined inclusion criteria may apply.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient is pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Patient is coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis D virus (HDV), or Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
• Patient previously received lamivudine, adefovir, or an investigational anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) nucleoside or nucleotide analog at any time
• Patient has received interferon or other immunomodulatory treatment for HBV infection in the 12 months before Screening for this study.

Other protocol-defined exclusion criteria may apply.