Antibodies to IL-6 and use thereof

Abstract The present invention is directed to therapeutic methods using IL-6 antagonists such as an Ab1 antibody or antibody fragment having binding specificity for IL-6 to prevent or treat disease or to improve survivability or quality of life of a patient in need thereof. In preferred embodiments these patients will comprise those exhibiting (or at risk of developing) an elevated serum C-reactive protein level, reduced serum albumin level, elevated D-dimer or other coagulation cascade related protein(s), cachexia, fever, weakness and/or fatigue prior to treatment. The subject therapies also may include the administration of other actives such as chemotherapeutics, anti-coagulants, statins, and others. Additional preferred embodiments of the subject invention relate to therapeutic compositions and methods treating or preventing rheumatoid arthritis, especially subcutaneous and intravenous formulations and dosage regimens using IL-6 antagonists according to the invention, as well as methods for preventing or treating GVHD or leukemia relapse in subjects receiving transplanted cells, tissue or organs, use thereof in the treatment or prevention of mucositis, and use thereof to potentiate the cytotoxic, apoptotic, and anti-metastatic or anti-invasive effects of chemotherapeutics and radiation on cancers, especially cancers that have developed a resistance to radiation or chemotherapy, such as an EGFR inhibitor.