AGC Biologics announced it has entered into an agreement with Horizon Pharma plc for commercial supply of teprotumumab, a monoclonal antibody biologic for the treatment of moderate-to-severe active thyroid eye disease (TED).
TED, also known as Graves’ opthalmopathy or orbitopathy, is a rare condition in which the eye muscles and fatty tissue behind the eye become inflamed. This can cause proptosis, where the eyes are pushed forward (resulting in “staring” or “bulging” eyes), and the eyes and eyelids become red and swollen. In certain cases, swelling and stiffness of the muscles occur, shifting the eyes so they are no longer in line with each other and/or unable to close.
The teprotumumab antibody works by targeting the Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 Receptor (IGF-1R), a well-validated target.
“Thyroid eye disease can be an incapacitating disease, having a significant effect on a patient’s daily quality of life,” said Gustavo Mahler, Ph.D., President and Chief Executive Officer of AGC Biologics. “We’re proud to partner with Horizon Pharma in the manufacturing of teprotumumab, a potentially life-changing therapy.”