In a momentous development for the treatment of Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), Tepezza has been used for the first time in the UK outside of clinical trials at The London Clinic.
This groundbreaking step marks a major advancement in managing TED, a condition that, until recently, had limited treatment options outside of surgery or steroid-based therapies.
Mr. Hugo Henderson, Consultant Ophthalmic and Oculoplastic Surgeon, a leading specialist in ophthalmology, had the honour of treating the first patient with Tepezza at The London Clinic, an exciting milestone not only for the clinic but for TED patients in the UK.
What is Tepezza?
Tepezza (teprotumumab) is a biological agent designed to address the underlying causes of TED, targeting the autoimmune activity that leads to inflammation and swelling around the eyes. TED can cause significant discomfort, including bulging eyes, pain, double vision, and, in severe cases, the potential for sight loss. Prior to Tepezza’s approval, treatment options were limited, often involving invasive surgeries or long-term use of steroids, which could have serious side effects.
Tepezza works by blocking the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), which plays a key role in the inflammatory process of TED. The drug has already shown remarkable success in clinical trials, helping to reduce proptosis (eye bulging) and improve both symptoms and quality of life for patients.
A Personal Milestone and a Breakthrough for TED Treatment
This milestone is especially personal for Mr Hugo Henderson, who, back in 2017, invited Raymond Douglas, M.D., Ph.D., to present the initial findings of Tepezza’s clinical trials at the BOPSS London conference. Dr. Douglas, a key figure in Tepezza’s development, was among the first to reveal the potential of this revolutionary treatment.
Now, nearly nine years later, Mr Hugo Henderson is proud to have helped bring this treatment to life for TED patients in the UK, offering hope and a new path to recovery.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see Tepezza finally available to patients outside of clinical trials in the UK,” says Mr Hugo Henderson. “For years, we’ve been waiting for a treatment that can truly address the root causes of TED, not just manage the symptoms. This is a transformative moment for both patients and clinicians alike.”
A Collaborative Effort
Mr. Hugo Henderson acknowledges the hard work and dedication of the many individuals who contributed to making Tepezza treatment a reality in the UK. Special thanks go to Dr. Raymond Douglas in the USA for his pioneering research, as well as to Jimmy Uddin and Vickie Lee in the UK and so many others for their dedication and hard work and dedicated research and clinical trials that led to Tepezza’s approval.
“I am deeply grateful to my colleagues Jimmy Uddin, Vickie Lee, and so many others for their unwavering dedication to advancing research and clinical care in TED. Their hard work has made it possible to offer this life-changing treatment to patients,” adds Mr Hugo Henderson.
The collaboration between The London Clinic and The London Clinic Eye Centre has been essential in setting up the treatment pathway for Tepezza. The clinic has been at the forefront of providing cutting-edge care for TED, making sure that patients receive the most advanced treatments available.
A New Era for Thyroid Eye Disease Management
With Tepezza now available to patients in the UK outside of clinical trials, the future of TED treatment looks brighter than ever. No longer will patients need to endure the constant discomfort of TED or face the possibility of major surgery to address their symptoms.
Tepezza represents a significant step forward in managing this complex condition, reducing the need for invasive treatments and offering hope for improved vision and quality of life.
“I’m proud to be part of this exciting chapter in TED care,” Mr Hugo Henderson reflects. “We’ve come a long way since the initial clinical trials, and seeing this treatment now in use for real patients in the UK is incredibly rewarding. This is just the beginning, and I look forward to seeing how Tepezza will continue to help those living with TED.”
About The London Clinic:
The London Clinic is a renowned private hospital in the UK, offering state-of-the-art care for a wide range of medical conditions. With a focus on patient-cantered care, the clinic has been at the forefront of introducing innovative treatments, making it a trusted destination for those seeking advanced medical solutions.
Consultant Ophthalmic and Oculoplastic Surgeon, Mr Hugo Henderson, works privately at The London Clinic in Harley Street where he specialises in ophthalmic and reconstructive plastic surgery, and aesthetic procedures.
Get in touch to find out more and arrange a consultation with Mr Hugo Henderson.