Eleven Biotherapeutics presents data on protein therapeutics for anterior, posterior eye diseases

Orlando, FL-During the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology meeting last week, Eleven Biotherapeutics presented data for 2 of its protein therapeutics, which demonstrate the role of cytokine biology to target both anterior and posterior eye diseases. 

According to the company, clinical data on it’s lead drug candidate, EBI-005, “EBI-005, the first IL-1 (Interleukin-1) signaling inhibitor designed for topical ocular administration, demonstrated improvements in signs and symptoms of dry eye disease (DED), including reduction in ocular pain and artificial tear use. In addition, preclinical data on EBI-029, an IL-6 (Interleukin-6) inhibitor optimized for localized ocular administration in diabetic macular edema (DME), has demonstrated that EBI-029 potently inhibits IL-6 signaling in vitro. IL-6 is a cytokine that has previously been shown to be upregulated in DME, contributing to the angiogenic and inflammatory components of the disease and correlating with disease severity. By inhibiting IL-6, EBI-029 could offer an alternative to current standard of care, including anti-VEGF therapies.”

EBI-005 is being evaluated in a Phase 3 clinical study in patients with DED and a Phase 2 clinical study in patients with allergic conjunctivitis. And EBI-029 is in preclinical development for the treatment of DME.