The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety, immunogenicity and reactogenicity of MPL-adjuvanted recombinant hepatitis B vaccine in comparison with those of Engerix™-B in healthy adult volunteers following two different schedules: 0, 2 months and 0, 6 months

At the time of conduct of this study, the sponsor GlaxoSmithKline was known by its former name SmithKline Beecham

Inclusion Criteria:

• Between 18 and 40 years old.
• Written informed consent will have been obtained from the subjects.
• Good physical condition as established by physical examination and history taking at the time of entry.
• Female participants will avoid becoming pregnant during the study period and they will have been on a contraceptive program for at least 2 months before entry.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Positive titres for anti hepatitis B antibodies.
• Any vaccination against hepatitis B in the past.
• Elevated serum liver enzymes.
• History of significant and persisting hematologic, hepatic, renal, cardiac or respiratory disease.
• Axillary temperature > 37°C at the time of injection.
• Any acute disease at the moment of entry.
• Chronic alcohol consumption.
• Any chronic drug treatment, including any treatment with immunosuppressive drugs, which in the investigator's opinion, precludes inclusion into the study.
• History of allergic disease likely to be stimulated by any component of the vaccine.
• Administration of any other vaccine(s) or any immunoglobulin during the study period.
• Simultaneous participation in any other clinical trial.