Tepezza, also known by its generic name teprotumumab, is a biologic drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in January 2020 for the treatment of thyroid eye disease, a rare autoimmune condition that affects the eyes and causes vision loss. The drug was developed by Horizon Therapeutics and received widespread attention for its innovative approach to treating the disease.
However, since its approval, Tepezza has faced numerous lawsuits due to its side effects, unfair pricing, and marketing practices. Patients who have taken the drug have reported severe and unexpected side effects, leading to widespread concern over the safety and efficacy of the drug.
This article will explore the controversy surrounding Tepezza and provide an in-depth look at the various issues that have led to lawsuits against the drug and its manufacturers. By examining these key factors, we hope to shed light on the controversy and provide readers with a better understanding of the complex issues at play.
Severe Side Effects of Tepezza
The FDA approval of Tepezza in January 2020 was met with excitement as a new treatment option for patients suffering from thyroid eye disease. However, just a few months after its approval, patients began reporting severe side effects associated with the use of Tepezza. Some of the most commonly reported side effects include vision loss, severe eye pain, and the worsening of existing eye conditions.
Many patients and advocacy groups have taken issue with the lack of information provided by the manufacturer regarding the potential risks and side effects associated with Tepezza. The drug’s label only mentions the most common side effects but does not provide information about the severity or frequency of these side effects. This has led to widespread concern about the safety of Tepezza and the potential for long-term damage to patients’ vision.
Some patient advocacy groups have even gone so far as to call for the drug to be removed from the market due to the severity of the side effects they claim it causes. The controversy surrounding Tepezza and its potential side effects has sparked a heated debate in the medical community and has left many patients and their families feeling frustrated and confused.
According to the Lawsuit Information Center, Tepezza plaintiffs’ attorneys filed a motion in January 2023 to combine ten Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits now proceeding in the Northern District of Illinois. The request aims to have these ten cases heard by a single judge. Horizon has filed an objection in response, claiming that each Tepezza case has radically different factual accusations.
Lawsuits and Allegations
Lawsuits against Tepezza and its manufacturers, Horizon Therapeutics, have been filed due to a variety of reasons, including allegations of severe side effects, price gouging, and false marketing practices. Patients who have suffered from side effects after using the drug have filed a Tepezza lawsuit claiming that the drug’s manufacturers failed to warn them of the potential risks associated with using the drug.
In addition, there have been allegations of price gouging, with patients and insurance companies claiming that the high cost of Tepezza is unjustified and not in line with its value. Some patients have also accused Horizon Therapeutics of false marketing practices, alleging that the company overstated the benefits of Tepezza and downplayed its risks.
The lawsuits against Horizon Therapeutics continue to unfold, and it remains to be seen what the outcome will be for the company and its drug Tepezza. However, the allegations against Horizon Therapeutics highlight the importance of ensuring that drugs are safe for use, priced fairly, and marketed in a responsible manner.
Horizon Therapeutics’ Response
Horizon Therapeutics, the manufacturer of Tepezza, has publicly responded to the growing number of lawsuits. The company has stated that they are confident in the safety and efficacy of Tepezza and believe that the product has been properly tested and approved by the FDA. Horizon Therapeutics has also claimed that the lawsuits are without merit and that they will vigorously defend themselves in court.
In a report published on AboutLawsuits.com, a claimant named Donna Walker filed a Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois in November 2022, claiming that neither she nor her doctors were given sufficient warnings about the danger of irreparable hearing loss and tinnitus linked with the medication.
In response, the pharmaceutical company has filed a request to dismiss the case, alleging that “failure to warn” accusations should be preempted by federal legislation.
Legal experts believe that Horizon Therapeutics may face a significant financial burden if they are forced to pay out settlements or damages in the Tepezza lawsuits. This, in turn, could impact the availability and affordability of Tepezza for patients with thyroid eye disease.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Tepezza and the growing number of lawsuits is a complex issue that is likely to continue for some time. While Horizon Therapeutics is confident in the safety and efficacy of its product, the allegations of severe side effects and investigations into the safety of Tepezza raise serious questions about the approval and testing processes for new drugs.
As more information becomes available, it will be important for patients, healthcare providers, and regulatory agencies to weigh the potential benefits and risks of Tepezza and other similar treatments.
