CSL signs licensing deal with Eli Lilly for clazakizumab to explore other potential treatments

Feb 18 (Reuters) - Australia's CSL CSL.AX said on Wednesday it has granted Eli Lilly LLY.N certain rights to develop and commercialize clazakizumab, an anti-interleukin-6 monoclonal antibody, in exchange for an upfront payment of $100 million.

CSL will retain exclusive rights to develop and commercialise clazakizumab for the prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with end-stage kidney disease (ESKD).

Under the deal, Eli Lilly will explore the development and commercialisation of the monoclonal antibody in other areas and pay CSL potential clinical, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments, as well as royalties on global net sales.

Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine involved in various biological processes, including immune regulation. Overproduction of IL-6 is associated with chronic inflammation and has been observed in a range of medical conditions.

By preventing IL-6 from binding its receptor, clazakizumab could help reduce inflammation and provide therapeutic benefits to patients, CSL said.

"Clazakizumab is a promising therapeutic candidate with the potential to significantly impact the treatment landscape for various immuno-inflammatory and cardiovascular conditions," said Bill Mezzanotte, head of research and development at CSL.

The Australian biotechnology giant said it is advancing the clinical trial of clazakizumab in ESKD patients on dialysis to evaluate its safety and whether it can reduce major adverse cardiovascular events.

Shares of the Australian firm rose as much as 2.1% to A$154.78, as of 0026 GMT.