New Drug Treats Thyroid Eye Disease Without Surgery
Detroit Eye Doctors Anticipate the Arrival of Tepezza
The team of ophthalmologists, optometrists, and board-certified eye surgeons at Fraser Eye are deeply invested in eye care advances and the development of new treatments for vision and eye health. We are pleased to share that earlier this year, the FDA approved the first non-surgical treatment for Thyroid Eye Disease (TED). Tepezza is a biologic human monoclonal antibody (Teprotumumab) that can effectively treat the vision loss, eye protrusion, and pain associated with TED without surgery.
About Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)
One million Americans are diagnosed with Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) each year. It is characterized by inflammation and swelling behind the eyes, which causes the eyes to bulge outward. In addition to proptosis, symptoms of TED include eyelid retraction, dry eyes, strabismus, compressive optic neuropathy and vision loss.
About Tepezza
Tepezza (teprotumumab, Horizon Therapeutics) is an insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor inhibitor that is given intravenously (IV) and blocks the inflammatory/autoimmune pathophysiology that underlines TED.
Tepezza Clinical Results
In the Phase 3 FDA studies many patients on Tepezza had significant improvement in exophthalmos, proptosis, and eye pain. The drug was approved based on the results of two studies consisting of a total of 170 patients with active Thyroid Eye Disease who were randomized to either receive Tepezza or a placebo. Among the patients enrolled in the 2 studies performed, 71% of patients in study 1 and 83% in study 2 had greater than 2 mm reduction in proptosis. Today, even with repeated surgeries, patients often do not experience full reduction of proptosis.
How much will Tepezza cost?
Tepezza is estimated to cost about $14,900 per vial, with full treatment over six months costing approximately $200,000. Insurance coverage and patient out of pocket costs will vary based on plans. Horizon Therapeutics offers a comprehensive patient support program that includes financial assistance opportunities that may cover all or part of the cost of medication.
What are potential side effects?
Clinical trials involving patients aged 18 to 75 show a very favorable safety profile, with very few adverse effects.1 Rare but possible side effects of Tepezza include hearing loss, fatigue, nausea, muscle spasms and hyperglycemia.
1 N Engl J Med. Teprotumumab for the Treatment of Active Thyroid Eye Disease.
Raymond S. Douglas, M.D., Ph.D., George J. Kahaly, M.D., Ph.D., Amy Patel, M.D., et al. January 23, 2020; 382:341-352. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa1910434