Roche to develop interleukin-6 blocker for DME, uveitis

Eleven Biotherapeutics has granted Roche the exclusive right to develop EBI-031, a humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits all known forms of interleukin-6 (IL-6).

Eleven also announced the submission of an investigational drug application to the FDA.

Designed specifically for Eleven’s intravitreal delivery platform, EBI-031 blocks both free IL-6 and the IL-6 receptor-complex. The company believes its preclinical candidate can treat diabetic macular edema (DME) and uveitis.

Under the terms of the agreement, Eleven will receive an upfront payment of $7.5 million and potential future milestone payments of up to $262.5 million. Roche has the exclusive license to develop and commercialize EBI-031 and all other IL-6 antagonist antibody technology owned by Eleven Biotherapeutics.