The small-interfering RNA JNJ-3989 was studied in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection at dosages ranging from 40 mg to 200 mg, administered subcutaneously every 4 weeks in conjunction with nucleoside analogs. The primary aim was to determine the percentage of patients who satisfied the criteria for discontinuing nucleoside analogs, which were characterized as normal liver enzyme levels, undetectable HBV DNA, and low hepatitis B surface antigen levels. There was a dose-dependent response, with 16% of the 100 mg JNJ-3989 group and 19% of the 200 mg group fulfilling stopping criteria after 48 weeks, compared to only 2% in the control group. While seroclearance of hepatitis B surface antigen was uncommon, significant decreases in HBsAg levels were found across all JNJ-3989 therapy groups.

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