The present disclosure relates to hybrid hepadnavirus core antigens including one or more epitopes of a human hepatitis B vims (HBV) antigen. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to hybrid hepadnavirus core antigens in the form of fusion proteins containing a fragment of the PreS1 region of the HBV surface antigen inserted in a woodchuck hepadnavirus core antigen. The present disclosure further relates to hybrid hepadnavirus core antigens in the form of fusions proteins containing a truncated HBV core antigen and woodchuck hepadnavirus core antigen. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding the hybrid core antigens, and the use of the hybrid core antigens and nucleic acids for treating HBV-infected individuals.

A specific conformational epitope of a hepatitis B surface antigen and a hepatitis B neutralizing antibody binding thereto are disclosed. The epitope has a specific conformational structure. In addition, the conformational epitope does not contain the ‘a’ determinant that may generate an escape mutation upon administration of conventional vaccines or HBIg. Thus, an antibody capable of binding to the epitope is highly unlikely to allow the emergence of a vaccine escape mutation, which is caused by conventional vaccines, and as such, can retain a sustained effect. Therefore, such an antibody or a vaccine composition can find effective applications in the prevention and treatment of HBV, having great economic value.

The present application relates to an RNA interference (RNAi) agent for inhibiting the expression of hepatitis B virus and uses thereof, and to an RNAi agent that inhibits the expression of hepatitis B virus and a pharmaceutical composition including the RNAi agent for amelioration or treatment of diseases caused by hepatitis B virus infection.

Vaccine combinations which comprise at least two or more of the following antigens: DTap-HEV-HepB-HPV suitable for administration in humans. A number of variations in the combination of these antigens have been disclosed that is suitable for concomitant administration. The methods of preparing the vaccine combinations are disclosed. Nucleic acids encoding the antigens, as well as methods for their production and use are provided.