Hepatitis B virus RNA decline without concomitant viral antigen decrease is associated with a low probability of sustained response and hepatitis B surface antigen loss.

Background Serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) RNA may reflect intrahepatic HBV replication. Novel anti‐viral drugs have shown potent HBV RNA decline without concomitant hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) decrease. How this relates to off‐treatment response is yet unclear.