by Sanofi Genzyme
with support from Lucid Group
by Takeda UK
with support from Hill+Knowlton Strategies
by Horizon Therapeutics
with support from Weber Shandwick
by Horizon Therapeutics
with support from Weber Shandwick
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.
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.
Entry deadline | 27 August 2020 |
Extended entry deadline | 3 September 2020* *additional fee applies |
Judging Day | 1 October 2020 |
Company of the Year Interviews | 22 October 2020 |
PMEA Event | 25 November 2020 |