To Evaluate Antiviral Efficacy of Telbivudine in Hepatitis B Antigen Positive (HbeAg-positive) Compensated Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB)

Inclusion Criteria: Male or female, at least 18 yrs of age; HBsAg positive, HBeAg positive and anti-HBe negative at the time of screening; Quantifiable serum HBV DNA levels of \>105copies/ml; ALT levels any level; Treatment naïve; Baseline liver histology in case of ALT levels within normal limits performed within last 12 months) indicative of chronic hepatitis B changes Metavir score F \>2; Willing and able to comply with the study drug regimen and all other study requirements; The patient or guardian is willing and able to explore written informed consent to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: Patient is pregnant or breastfeeding. Women of childbearing potential must have a negative serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) at Screening visit; Patient is of childbearing potential (men and women) and unwilling to use a barrier method of contraception. It is required that a barrier method of contraception be used (i.e. condom with spermicide or diaphragm with spermicide) by patients of childbearing potential (men and women) regardless of whether a hormonal agent also is used as a method of contraception; Patient is co infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV), HIV. Patients will be tested for antibodies to HCV \& HIV in the Screening assessments;Patient has a medical condition that requires prolonged or frequent use of systemic acyclovir or famciclovir; Patient is currently abusing alcohol or illicit drugs, or has a history of alcohol abuse or illicit substance ab…