In the present study the immunogenicity, reactogenicity and safety of recombinant hepatitis B vaccines with and without MPL will be evaluated in older healthy subjects

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

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy male or female subjects between 50 and 70 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

Exclusion Criteria:

• Positive titres for anti hepatitis antibodies
• Any vaccination against hepatitis B in the past.
• Any previous administration of MPL
• Elevated serum liver enzymes at two subsequent determinations 14 days apart.
• History of significant and persisting hematologic, hepatic, renal, cardiac or respiratory disease.
• Axillary temperature > 37.5°C at the time of injection.
• Any acute disease at the moment of entry.
• Chronic alcohol consumption.
• Any treatment with immunosuppressive or immunostimulant therapy.
• Any chronic drug treatment, 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.