Teprotumumab for thyroid eye disease

Teprotumumab is currently in development for treatment of thyroid eye disease (TED). TED, also known as Graves’ orbitopathy or ophthalmopathy, is an autoimmune condition. It occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the tissue surrounding the eye causing inflammation in eye muscles, eyelids, tear glands and fatty tissues behind the eye. This can cause the eyes and eyelids to become red, swollen and uncomfortable and the eyes can be pushed forward (proptosis). In most patients, the same autoimmune condition that causes TED also affects the thyroid gland, resulting in Graves’ disease. Current treatment options available to patients with TED are aimed at managing symptoms rather than treating underlying causes of the disease. Recommended treatment options for TED include use of artificial tears, selenium supplementation, oral prednisolone and rehabilitative surgery.