Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a small deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) virus that infects the liver and can cause either acute (less than 6 months) or chronic (more than 6 months) infection. Persistence of HBV infection requires antigen-specific immune tolerance that prevents clearance of infected cells. Cetrelimab (JNJ-63723283) is a fully human immunoglobulin (Ig) G4 kappa monoclonal antibody (mAb) that binds to programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1) with high affinity and specificity. PD-(L)1 inhibitors could possibly reverse the immune dysfunction from HBV. The study will be conducted in 3 phases: a screening phase (6 weeks), a single dose intervention phase (1 day), and a 24-week follow-up phase. The duration of individual participation will be up to 30 weeks. Key safety assessments include monitoring of Adverse Events (AEs), physical examination, vital signs, Electrocardiogram (ECGs), Injection site reaction (ISRs), Infusion-related reaction (IRRs), and clinical laboratory tests.
The purpose of the study is to characterize the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of cetrelimab administered subcutaneous (SC) and optionally intravenous (IV) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) participants.