Tepezza

About TED (also known as Graves’ orbitopathy)

Thyroid eye disease (TED), also known as Graves’ orbitopathy, is a rare, progressive autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the tissue around the eye. People with TED may have red, swollen, and painful eyes, and in severe cases, their eyes may bulge and cause blurred vision.

About Tepezza

Tepezza is an injectable drug manufactured by Horizon Therapeutics that was introduced to the U.S. market in 2020, as a means of treating TED. The drug is administered in a series of costly infusions, over a period of approximately five months.

Horizon’s Failure to Warn

Horizon sought FDA fast track approval of Tepezza, and in 2020, after only two clinical trials, the Food and Drug Administration approved the drug as a treatment for TED. In those clinical trials, about 10% of patients reported experiencing issues with their hearing. But very soon after Tepezza was introduced to the U.S. market, a much higher incidence of serious hearing loss and damage became apparent in patients taking the drug. A subsequent study from Stanford University found that an astonishing 65% of patients given Tepezza suffered hearing problems after being treated with the drug. The problems they experienced included hearing loss, tinnitus, autophony (the perception that one’s own voice is too loud) and ear plugging sensations.

Despite clear evidence of serious side effects, Horizon has aggressively marketed Tepezza, while failing to warn of the risk of permanent hearing loss, tinnitus and other hearing problems. Horizon has maintained that only 10% of Tepezza users would experience hearing difficulties, and that the hearing loss would be “temporary and generally of limited duration.” Horizon has misled patients by downplaying the risks posed by its product.

You May Be Eligible for Compensation

Individuals who received Tepezza injections for TED and subsequently suffered hearing loss or tinnitus may be eligible to bring a claim against Horizon Therapeutic or others. Our experienced product liability lawyers are currently accepting Tepezza hearing damage cases. Call us for a free, confidential consultation.