Finalist
TEPEZZA
with support from Weber Shandwick
Summary of work
TEPEZZA (teprotumumab-trbw), an insulin-like growth factor 1-receptor inhibitor, is the first and only FDA-approved medicine for the treatment of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), a serious, progressive and vision-threatening rare autoimmune disease. Before TEPEZZA, patients suffered from TED symptoms until surgery, and were often left with permanent and vision-impairing consequences. TEPEZZA is unique because it treats the underlying biology of TED instead of just masking the symptoms leading up to surgery. The FDA approval of TEPEZZA was supported by a robust body of clinical evidence, demonstrating therapeutic benefit comparable to surgical intervention – without the associated complications. TEPEZZA has been shown to significantly improve eye bulging and double vision, two of the most debilitating aspects of the disease.
Horizon’s launch strategy included educating physicians – primarily oculoplastic surgeons, ophthalmologists and endocrinologists who historically treated TED patients with steroids and surgery – about biologic therapies. Additionally, just six weeks after launch in January, COVID-19 led Horizon to make an immediate shift to virtual outreach and helping existing patients find access to clinical sites to receive infusions. Today, Horizon has increased investment in TEPEZZA to support much stronger-than-expected demand, with TEPEZZA on track to become one of the most successful rare disease drug launches ever achieved.
Judges’ comments
TEPEZZA is a great product that fulfils a real clinical need in a rare disease. The launch had impressive reach and good clarity of explanation and objectives. It was an effective launch plan in an area with an unmet medical need.
