This study is a multi-center, randomized, open-label and positive controlled Phase II Clinical trial to assess efficacy and safety of Ypeginterferon alfa-2b, once a week, in 3 dose-groups: 90mcg, 135mcg and 180mcg, respectively, for treatment of chronic hepatitis B characterized by HBeAg positivity, with Pegasys 180mcg/week as positive control. It is aimed to establish a dose response and safety relationship sufficient to allow the subsequent design and conduct of Phase III trials, and generate pharmacokinetic data of Ypeginterferon alfa-2b in hepatitis B patients to satisfy regulatory requirements.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age:18~60 years.
• Pregnancy tests of female patients must be negative. All patients with effective birth control measures during treatment period and 6 months after the cessation of treatment.
• Serum HBsAg positive for at least 6 months.
• Serum HBeAg positive with HBV DNA ≥20,000IU/ml.
• 2×ULN≤ALT≤10×ULN at screening(ULN=upper limit of normal).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant or lactating women.
• Mental disorder or physical disability.
• Interferon treatment history or using nucleos(t)ide analogue for chronic hepatitis B treatment within the previous 6 months.
• WBC<3000/mm3, or ANC <1500/mm3, or PLT <90,000/mm3.
• Co-infection with HAV, HIV, HCV, HDV, HEV.
• Both HBsAg and anti-HBs are positive, or both HBeAg and anti-HBe are positive at screening.
• Chest X-ray with clinically significant active inflammatory process, history of significant pulmonary disease or any history of interstitial lung disease.
• Evidence of hepatic decompensation.
• History of hypothyroidism or current treatment for thyroid disease.
• Uncontrolled significant chronic medical conditions other than chronic hepatitis B, or other conditions which in the opinion of the investigator preclude enrollment into the study.