Subjects who had not responded to previous hepatitis B vaccination were vaccinated with either the adjuvanted HBV-MPL vaccine or Engerix™-B vaccine according to a three-dose vaccination schedule (0, 1, 2 months) and boosted at Month 12 as per their group allocation. The immunogenicity and safety of the HBV-MPL vaccine were compared with the control vaccine, Engerix™-B.

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

Inclusion Criteria:

At study entry:

• A male or female ≥ 15 years of age at the time of the first vaccination.
• Free of obvious health problems as established by medical history and clinical examination before entering into the study.
• Written informed consent obtained from the subject.
• Documented non-response to previous hepatitis B vaccination within 6 months after having received a full vaccination course (i.e. ≥ 3 doses of a hepatitis B vaccine)
• If the subject is female, she must be of non-childbearing potential, or, if of childbearing potential, she must be abstinent or use adequate contraceptive precautions for one month prior to enrollment and up to two months after the last vaccination.

Before booster dose at month 12:

• Additional written informed consent covering the booster administration and blood samples at months 12 and 13 must be obtained from the subject.
• If the subject is female, she must be of non-childbearing potential, or, if of childbearing potential, she must be abstinent or use adequate contraceptive precautions for one month prior to and up to two months after the administration of the booster dose

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of any investigational or non-registered drug or vaccine other than the study vaccine(s) during the study period or within 30 days preceding the first dose of study vaccine.
• Planned administration/ administration of a vaccine not foreseen by the study protocol during the period starting from 30 days before each dose of vaccine and ending 30 days after.
• Known exposure to hepatitis B within 6 weeks.
• History of hepatitis B infection.
• Confirmed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
• A family history of congenital or hereditary immunodeficiency.
• History of allergic disease/reactions likely to be exacerbated by any component of the vaccine.
• Acute disease at the time of enrollment.
• Hepatomegaly, right upper quadrant abdominal pain or tenderness.
• Administration of immunoglobulins and/or any blood products within the three months preceding the first dose of study vaccine or planned administration/ administration during the study period.
• Pregnant or lactating female.