Switching Therapy From Lamivudine to Telbivudine Versus Continued Lamivudine in Adults With Chronic Hepatitis B

Inclusion Criteria: * Documented clinical history compatible with chronic hepatitis B * Patient has compensated liver disease * Patient has received previous treatment with lamivudine for a duration of at least 3 months and not more than 12 months Other protocol-defined inclusion criteria may apply. Exclusion Criteria: * Patient is pregnant or breastfeeding * Patient is co-infected with hepatitis C, hepatitis D or HIV * Patient previously received antiviral treatment for hepatitis B other than lamivudine in the preceding 12 months Other protocol-defined exclusion criteria may apply.