At a Glance
- Companies: CSL Limited, Eli Lilly
- Location: Melbourne, Australia
- Deal value: $100M upfront; undisclosed milestones; royalties
- Focus area: Anti-IL-6 mAb clazakizumab for inflammation
- Next steps: Lilly advances in new indications; CSL continues ESKD phase 3
What happened?
Eli Lilly licensed rights to develop and commercialise clazakizumab, CSL’s anti-IL-6 monoclonal antibody, outside of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) cardiovascular prevention. Announced 18 February 2026, Lilly pays $100 million upfront, with CSL eligible for clinical, regulatory, commercial milestones and royalties on net sales. CSL retains ESKD rights.
Why does it matter?
IL-6 drives chronic inflammation in immuno-inflammatory diseases; blocking it mitigates immune dysregulation, vascular inflammation and related conditions. With successes like Roche’s Actemra, clazakizumab offers potential in new areas, leveraging Lilly’s immunology expansion amid obesity cash influx. Prior transplant rejection phase 3 ended early for inefficacy, but ESKD phase 3 continues.
Who’s behind it?
CSL acquired clazakizumab via 2020 Vitaeris buyout; originally developed for antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). CSL’s R&D head Bill Mezzanotte praised the partnership. Lilly gains the asset for broader immunology pipeline.
How was it achieved?
Clazakizumab binds IL-6, preventing receptor interaction and downstream inflammatory signalling. CSL’s POSIBIL6ESKD phase 3 (NCT05485961, enrolling, ends 2029) tests it for major cardiovascular events in dialysis ESKD patients. Lilly targets unspecified additional indications.
What’s next?
Transaction closes post-regulatory clearances. CSL advances ESKD phase 3; Lilly initiates development in new areas, potentially phase 2+ trials soon.
What are people saying?
“Clazakizumab… has the potential to significantly impact the treatment landscape,” said CSL’s Bill Mezzanotte. “This agreement marks a significant step forward,” he added.