 Previous or current lamivudine or antiviral therapy Clinical signs of decompensated liver disease as indicated by the protocol Inadequate haematological function defined by the protocol - Documented evidence of active liver disease due to other causes Hepatocellular carcinoma as evidenced by the protocol Any serious or active medical or psychiatric illnesses other than hepatitis B which, in the opinion of the investigator, would interfere with patient treatment, assessment or compliance with the protocol. This would include any uncontrolled clinically significant renal, cardiac, pulmonary, vascular, neurogenic, digestive, metabolic diabetes, thyroid disorders, adrenal disease, immunodeficiency disorders or cancer. 