Eli Lilly agreed to license development rights from CSL for the IL‑6–blocking antibody clazakizumab outside CSL’s retained indication, paying $100 million in upfront consideration with additional milestone and royalty arrangements. CSL will keep rights for end‑stage kidney disease, where clazakizumab is in a Phase III program. Lilly frames the deal as a strategic add to its inflammation pipeline, pursuing IL‑6 biology across other indications. The agreement positions Lilly to compete in cytokine‑targeted therapies alongside established IL‑6 agents, and CSL retains upside via milestones and royalties. For investors and pipeline strategists, the transaction highlights continued M&A and licensing interest in cytokine-targeting antibodies and shows big pharma continuing to buy targeted assets to fill therapeutic and commercial gaps rapidly.