Preclinical Development of EBI-005: An IL-1 Receptor-1 Inhibitor for the Topical Ocular Treatment of Ocular Surface Inflammatory Diseases.

Objective: Topical interleukin (IL)-1 receptor (R)1 blockade is therapeutically active in reducing signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. Herein, we describe in vitro and in vivo nonclinical Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling studies of EBI-005, a novel protein chimera of IL-1β and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra or anakinra) that potently binds IL-1R1 and blocks signaling. These studies provide an assessment of receptor affinity, drug bioavailability, immunogenic response, safety, and tolerability in mice and rabbits.

Multicenter Study of a Novel Topical Interleukin-1 Receptor Inhibitor, Isunakinra, in Subjects With Moderate to Severe Dry Eye Disease.

Objectives: Isunakinra, formerly known as EBI-005, is a novel interleukin (IL)-1 receptor inhibitor developed for topical treatment of patients with dry eye disease (DED). This phase 1b/2a multicenter, double-masked, randomized, vehicle controlled environmental trial assessed the safety and biological activity of isunakinra in patients with moderate to severe DED.

Methods: Subjects (N=74) were randomized to vehicle (placebo) or isunakinra (5 or 20 mg/mL) 3×/daily for 6 weeks.

A Phase 2 Exploratory Study of a Novel Interleukin-1 Receptor Inhibitor (EBI-005) in the Treatment of Moderate-to-Severe Allergic Conjunctivitis.

Objectives: Many allergic conjunctivitis (AC) patients are inadequately treated with conventional therapies or require steroids. EBI-005 was developed to address the late phase allergic response. This study's objectives were to evaluate two adapted clinical models for this indication and to assess safety and biological activity of EBI-005 in AC.

Crystal structure of an HSA/FcRn complex reveals recycling by competitive mimicry of HSA ligands at a pH-dependent hydrophobic interface.

The long circulating half-life of serum albumin, the most abundant protein in mammalian plasma, derives from pH-dependent endosomal salvage from degradation, mediated by the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn). Using yeast display, we identified human serum albumin (HSA) variants with increased affinity for human FcRn at endosomal pH, enabling us to solve the crystal structure of a variant HSA/FcRn complex. We find an extensive, primarily hydrophobic interface stabilized by hydrogen-bonding networks involving protonated histidines internal to each protein.