Tepezza Lawsuit Updates
Tepezza MDL Bellwether Trial Hearing Set for
The Tepezza multi-district litigation (MDL) will hold a crucial hearing on January 28, 2025, to determine which cases will be selected for the first three bellwether trials. Bellwether trials are vital in shaping the direction of the litigation, as their outcomes often provide valuable insights into the potential results of other cases. Should these trials favor plaintiffs, they may prompt settlement discussions later in 2025 or 2026, offering a path to resolution for those involved in the ongoing litigation.
Court Rules Against Defense Objections in Recent Case
In a recent ruling, the court addressed the plaintiffs’ motion from our previous update and issued a favorable decision. The court determined that the defense counsel’s objections were obstructive and unwarranted, particularly regarding document foundations. The judge noted that the documents produced during discovery implied authentication, making the defense’s repeated objections misplaced. Additionally, the court suggested that another defense attorney could have used a “running objection” instead of objecting repeatedly. While the specific details may not be crucial, this ruling helps clarify the dynamics of the case, indicating who is taking a more cooperative approach in the litigation.
Plaintiffs File Motion Over Defense Counsel's Improper Deposition Tactics
In mass tort cases, defense lawyers are expected to limit objections in depositions to form and foundation, but some often push boundaries. During a recent deposition of Horizon’s Director of Regulatory Affairs, plaintiffs’ counsel alleges defense attorneys crossed the line with speaking objections and witness coaching. They claim that each time key regulatory documents were introduced, defense counsel interrupted with objections questioning the documents' relevance or the witness’s familiarity. One such objection aimed to limit the witness’s knowledge by labeling the documents as “draft exchanges.” The plaintiffs’ counsel argues this was an attempt to influence the testimony and has filed a motion to prevent such tactics going forward.
Tepezza MDL Grows Potential Upside for Current Plaintiffs
The Tepezza MDL saw minimal growth in October, with only two new cases added, bringing the total to 180. Despite plaintiffs’ attorneys’ efforts to raise awareness, the litigation’s slow pace indicates that many affected individuals remain unaware. While further expansion may be limited, the current size of the MDL could benefit existing plaintiffs. With fewer cases, the litigation is likely to progress faster, and settlement amounts may be higher for those already involved. This manageable scale offers potential advantages for timely resolutions and favorable outcomes for plaintiffs in the current phase of the litigation.
About The Tepezza Lawsuit
Dozens of lawsuits have been filed against drug manufacturer Horizon Therapeutics regarding their medication Tepezza (teprotumumab-trbw). The drug is used to treat thyroid eye disease (TED), a condition associated with the autoimmune disorder Grave’s disease. TED can cause eye discomfort, pain, swelling, vision damage, and even blindness in severe cases.
Lawsuits state Tepezza caused patients to develop irreversible hearing loss, a side effect its manufacturer is accused of downplaying. Because of this alleged lack of transparency, those who took Tepezza for relief from debilitating vision problems are now facing the life-altering reality of hearing loss. Affected patients are filing lawsuits in the pursuit of justice and compensation, which courts have decided to consolidate into multidistrict litigation (MDL). This is good news for individuals affected by Tepezza, who can now join together to fight to hold Horizon Therapeutics accountable.
If you or a loved one were harmed by taking Tepezza, you may be feeling devastated and overwhelmed. It’s important to understand that you have legal rights and may be eligible to file a lawsuit against Horizon Therapeutics. In this article, you’ll learn about prequalifying injuries and how to take the first steps toward justice today.
The Dangers of Tepezza
Tepezza’s approval in 2020 was a light in the dark for patients suffering from thyroid eye disease (TED). Many viewed the drug, which is given to patients via infusion, as the key to freedom from the debilitating eye problems associated with TED. Tepezza works by blocking insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R), a protein found on the surface of human cells that contributes to the disease.
Sadly, these hopes were soon shattered when droves of patients began experiencing serious hearing problems like tinnitus, hypersensitivity to sounds, partial and total hearing loss, and more. For many affected patients, these side effects are permanent, leaving victims to endure the heartbreaking reality of lifelong hearing impairment.
In addition to hearing damage, the FDA associates Tepezza with side effects like:
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea
- Hair loss
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- High blood sugar
- Dry skin
- Change in taste
- Headache
- Infusion reactions
- Worsening of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
What Is The Focus Of The Lawsuit?
Documentation revealed that Horizon Therapeutics appears to have been aware of Tepezza’s potential to affect hearing, sparking a wave of lawsuits across the country. Initial drug trials showed that hearing loss affected around 10% of patients taking Tepezza, but recent research showed this figure might be concerningly low; a study by the Endocrine Society revealed that the rate of patients who suffered hearing loss might be as high as 65%. Thousands of patients have taken Tepezza, leaving many at risk of serious side effects.
Plaintiffs have accused Horizon Therapeutics of endangering the health of patients by:
- Neglecting to perform adequate safety testing on the medication
- Failing to educate patients on the risks of hearing loss associated with the drug
Lawsuits focus on these allegations as plaintiffs fight to hold Horizon Therapeutics accountable for their pain and suffering.
Who Is The Lawsuit For?
The Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit is for any patient who was administered Tepezza (teprotumumab-trbw) and went on to suffer from hearing-related side effects. With the help of their attorneys, patients should be ready to compile evidence documenting their injuries, like medical records, personal statements, and prescription details. Proof of costs related to the injury, including medical bills and receipts, is also helpful in proving financial impact.
Who May Qualify For The Tepezza Lawsuit?
To join the Tepezza lawsuit, patients must meet a number of requirements. While every case is different and each person should consult an attorney to determine whether they qualify, commons factors determining qualification include:
- You must have received a Tepezza or teprotumumab-trbw infusion.
- You must have suffered permanent hearing loss because of Tepezza
Qualifying hearing-related side effects include:
- Persistent hearing loss or deafness
- Hypoacusis (partial loss of hearing)
- Hyperacusis (hypersensitivity to sounds)
- Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
- Autophony (the perception of one’s own voice as loud or echoing)
- Muffled hearing
- Plugged ear sensation
- Eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD)
Additionally, other injuries that may prequalify you for the Tepezza lawsuit are:
- Infusion reactions
- Worsening of inflammatory bowel disease
- High blood sugar
- Muscle spasms
- Hair loss
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Change in taste
- Headache
- Subjective hearing loss
Do I Have to Pay for an Attorney?
If you are considering exercising your legal rights after being harmed by Tepezza, you may be concerned about the cost of securing legal representation. Fortunately, most lawyers who work on MDL cases do not require payment upfront. Instead, your lawyer is paid a percentage of your compensation if you win your case. This is called working on a contingency fee basis, and it makes hiring an attorney accessible regardless of financial limitations. Your attorney can answer any questions you have about legal fees and how they are paid.
Lawsuit Time Limits
Factors like what state you live in, when you discovered your hearing loss, and more will determine the deadline to file your claim. This is called the statute of limitations, and an attorney can help you determine which deadlines apply to you.
Lawyers are ready to speak with you about whether you may qualify for the Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit. Fill out the form at the top of the page today to connect with an attorney in the OCA network who can help you begin pursuing the compensation you deserve.
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