Elizabeth Thompson, PhD at Horizon Therapeutics explains why rare diseases — like thyroid eye disease (TED) — are at the heart of the company’s mission.
TED is a rare autoimmune disease causing permanent facial disfigurement severely affecting patients’ quality of life and daily function. The disease often presents suddenly, with an avalanche of endocrine and ophthalmic symptoms impairing normal life.
In January, 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Horizon’s Tepezza (teprotumumab trbw), the first drug indicated to treat thyroid eye disease. Tepezza inhibits (or blocks) the activity of the protein insulin-like growth factor-1, which is believed to a play as significant role in the development of the disorder. Affected individuals have shown significant improvement in proptosis, double vision, and overall quality of life when taking Tepezza.
For more information about TED and other rare eye disorders, visit https://checkrare.com/diseases/ophthalmology-eye-diseases/.