Lawsuits against Horizon Therapeutics, the manufacturer of Tepezza, allege a failure to adequately warn doctors and patients about potential health risks. Individuals who have experienced permanent hearing loss or tinnitus after taking Tepezza are pursuing legal action. Here are the latest developments in Tepezza litigation:
Recent Tepezza Lawsuit Updates
As of October 2023, there are 54 pending Tepezza cases in the multidistrict litigation (MDL). These lawsuits are still in the early stages, and as of July 2023, no trials have been scheduled, nor have there been court-approved settlements.
In March 2023, plaintiffs moved to consolidate the cases into multidistrict litigation in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. Subsequently, in June 2023, an MDL was established in the Northern District of Illinois.
Key dates in the Tepezza lawsuit timeline include:
-
- August 2023: 46 Tepezza cases are pending in the MDL as of August 22, 2023.
- July 2023: A newly formed MDL consolidates 42 Tepezza cases.
-
- June 2023: Tepezza cases from across the country are consolidated into an MDL in the Northern District of Illinois under Judge Thomas M. Durkin.
-
- May 2023: The Panel on Multidistrict Litigation schedules oral arguments for or against the motion to consolidate Tepezza lawsuits.
-
- April 2023: Horizon opposes the formation of an MDL in California.
-
- March 2023: Plaintiffs file a motion to transfer and consolidate cases in an MDL in California.
-
- October 2022: Horizon files a motion to dismiss Weibel’s complaint.
-
- August 2022: Daniel Weibel files one of the initial Tepezza lawsuits in Illinois, alleging permanent hearing loss and tinnitus. Horizon opposes moving cases to California but suggests consolidation in Illinois.
The multidistrict litigation panel ultimately decides to transfer the cases to Illinois, paving the way for further discovery.
Understanding Tepezza Lawsuits
Individuals are pursuing Tepezza lawsuits after experiencing permanent hearing issues, such as hearing loss and tinnitus, following the use of the drug. Lawsuits claim that the drug’s label fails to adequately inform patients and doctors about the associated risks of hearing impairment, and it does not explicitly state that these problems may be irreversible.
Tepezza, or teprotumumab, received FDA approval in January 2020 for the treatment of thyroid eye disease (TED). Notably, it is the sole drug approved for this condition. Clinical trials reported approximately 10% of patients experiencing hearing issues. However, a 2021 study suggested that the risk could be as high as 65%.
In July 2023, Horizon updated the drug’s label to include a warning about hearing impairment, stating: “Tepezza may cause severe hearing impairment including hearing loss, which in some cases may be permanent. Assess patients’ hearing before, during, and after treatment with Tepezza and consider the benefit-risk of treatment with patients.”
Reasons for Filing a Tepezza Lawsuit
Individuals who have suffered permanent hearing loss or tinnitus after using Tepezza may file a lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and diminished quality of life. Additionally, legal action may contribute to raising awareness among other patients about the potential risks associated with Tepezza.
Permanent side effects of Tepezza extend beyond financial costs, impacting a person’s quality of life. Studies indicate that permanent hearing loss or tinnitus can lead to difficulties in understanding others, potentially resulting in feelings of frustration, anxiety, and depression.
Tepezza-Related Hearing Issues
In a study involving 26 individuals who underwent at least four Tepezza infusions, 23% reported hearing loss. This loss was either new or exacerbated after taking the drug. While symptoms resolved for some patients a few months after discontinuing Tepezza, others continued to experience issues even after stopping treatment.
Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, affected 27% of individuals in the same study who took Tepezza. Some patients experienced resolution of symptoms after a few months. The study did not determine whether symptoms could be reversed in patients whose tinnitus persisted after stopping treatment.
Qualifying for a Tepezza Lawsuit
Individuals may be eligible to file a Tepezza lawsuit if they have used the drug and experienced permanent or persistent hearing loss or tinnitus. Consultation with a Tepezza attorney is crucial to determine eligibility, and questions may include:
- When did you use Tepezza?
-
- How many infusions or treatments did you undergo?
-
- What type of hearing problems did you experience?
-
- When were you diagnosed with hearing problems?
-
- Were you treated for Tepezza-related injuries?
-
- Did your doctor attribute your hearing problems to Tepezza?
For those considering filing a Tepezza lawsuit, seeking legal advice promptly is essential, as there are time limitations. The statute of limitations for a Tepezza lawsuit varies by state, ranging from two to four years. Attorney consultations are typically free and can help preserve the right to file a claim.
Current Status of Tepezza Lawsuits
Tepezza lawsuits are in the early stages, with no jury verdicts or settlements as of now. Attorneys are actively accepting cases. In August 2022, Daniel Weibel filed one of the initial Tepezza lawsuits in Illinois, alleging permanent hearing loss. Weibel’s lawsuit accused Horizon Pharmaceuticals of failing to adequately warn Tepezza users despite evidence from patient reports and studies establishing a link between Tepezza and hearing loss. After receiving Tepezza treatment from June 2020 to September 2020, Weibel and his treating physician were reportedly unaware of the risk of permanent hearing loss or tinnitus.
As litigation progresses, individuals considering Tepezza lawsuits are encouraged to stay informed about updates and consult with Tepezza attorneys to assess their legal options.
