Indiana Tepezza Lawsuit Attorney

The Indiana Tepezza lawsuit stands as a significant legal fight, as it addresses the concerns of patients who have experienced permanent hearing damage or tinnitus after receiving Tepezza infusions for their thyroid eye disease treatment. With cases consolidated in the Northern District of Illinois, the outcome of this multi-district litigation could have far-reaching consequences for Tepezza users across the United States.

As the number of Tepezza lawsuits continues to grow, those impacted by hearing loss following Tepezza usage must become familiar with their rights and potential avenues for compensation.

If Tepezza has affected you or a family member, leading to concerns about hearing loss, know that Schmidt & Clark, LLP is here to assist. As a nationally renowned law firm with a focus on plaintiffs’ cases, our primary mission is to ensure you obtain the justice and compensation you deserve.

Indiana Tepezza Lawsuits

The Indiana Tepezza lawsuits revolve around the allegations that Horizon Therapeutics failed to provide adequate warnings about the risk of hearing damage associated with the use of Tepezza. The lawsuits claim that the company:

• Over-marketed the drug
• Did not conduct sufficient safety testing before obtaining FDA approval
• Positioned Tepezza as a first-line treatment despite recommendations from the European Group on Graves Orbitopathy that it should be a second-line treatment.

As of now, more than 30 Tepezza lawsuits have been filed, with patients alleging that they experienced hearing impairment or tinnitus after receiving Tepezza infusions. These lawsuits seek compensation for damages related to hearing loss and tinnitus, and the outcomes of these cases will likely influence the approach and potential settlement values of future Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits.

To gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape surrounding Indiana Tepezza lawsuits, one should examine the specific claims made by plaintiffs and the defense strategies used by Horizon Therapeutics, as well as the key events and milestones in the ongoing legal battle.

Plaintiffs’ Claims and Horizon’s Defense

The plaintiffs in the Indiana Tepezza lawsuits argue that Horizon Therapeutics did not warn patients about the potential hearing damage resulting from the use of Tepezza. They claim that the company failed to conduct adequate safety testing before obtaining FDA approval and aggressively marketed the product as a first-line treatment despite recommendations to the contrary.

In response to these allegations, Horizon Therapeutics has employed the federal preemption doctrine as a defense strategy. This legal argument asserts that the warning labels on Tepezza are subject to federal law and regulations rather than state law tort claims, effectively attempting to dismiss the plaintiff’s failure to warn claims.

Indiana Tepezza Lawsuit Timeline

The first lawsuit against Horizon Therapeutics was filed on August 25, 2022. Since then, the number of Tepezza lawsuits has grown, with more than 30 cases filed across the country.

The process of filing Tepezza lawsuits has led to their consolidation into a multi-district litigation (MDL) in the Northern District of Illinois, overseen by Judge Thomas M. Durkin. These Tepezza lawsuits claim various side effects and complications experienced by patients.

As of September 1, 2023, plaintiffs in the Tepezza class action MDL are pushing for a speedy resolution so they can proceed to the first round of bellwether trials. These trials will serve as test cases for the remaining lawsuits, and their outcomes could significantly influence the approach and potential settlement values of future Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits.

Updates on Multi-District Litigation Involving Indiana Tepezza Cases

The consolidation of Tepezza lawsuits into a multi-district litigation (MDL) has streamlined the pretrial proceedings against Horizon Therapeutics. With approximately 46 cases currently in the MDL, this legal process aims to lighten the load on state and federal courts dealing with numerous similar cases at once.

As the litigation moves forward, the results of the initial bellwether trials will greatly influence the trajectory of the remaining Tepezza cases. If the plaintiffs tend to come out on top, it could pressure Horizon Therapeutics to settle the remaining lawsuits, potentially leading to significant compensation for those affected by Tepezza-related hearing loss.

What Is Tepezza?

Tepezza is a drug that belongs to a class of medicines called insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor inhibitors (IGF-1R) [1]. It is designed to treat thyroid eye disease (TED), a rare autoimmune disorder that affects around 16 per 100,000 females and 2.9 per 100,000 males.

Approved by the FDA in January 2020, Tepezza works by blocking the activity of IGF-1R, which is thought to be involved in the progression of TED. While it does not cure thyroid eye disease, the medication has been shown to improve certain symptoms, such as eye-bulging, double vision, and eye pain, in patients with active TED.

Tepezza Side Effects & Hearing Loss

Although Tepezza has been effective in managing the symptoms of thyroid eye disease for many patients, the medication has also been linked to several side effects, including hearing loss and tinnitus.

A study published in February 2022 found that:

• Three out of five patients with Tepezza-related hearing loss had persistent subjective hearing loss at the last follow-up, raising concerns about permanent hearing loss.
• This raises concerns about the long-term effects of Tepezza on patients’ hearing, as some may have suffered permanent hearing loss.
• It has contributed to the ongoing debate surrounding the medication’s potential to cause permanent hearing damage.

In two clinical trials conducted before FDA approval of the drug, hearing problems were reported in 10% of patients. – UC San Diego Health Library

Does Tepezza Cause Hearing Problems?

Tepezza does cause hearing problems. There is growing evidence supporting the link between Tepezza and hearing loss [2]. Recent research has revealed that Tepezza can lead to ear injuries and hearing damage more frequently than previously thought.

While most Tepezza-related hearing loss symptoms tend to improve over time, a significant number of patients still experience persistent hearing loss at their last follow-up.

The FDA has acknowledged the potential risk of hearing loss associated with Tepezza and has added a warning to the medication’s label in July 2023 [3]. The warning specifies that the use of Tepezza may lead to severe hearing problems. These issues can include hearing loss, which could even be irreversible in some cases.

As more patients report hearing loss and tinnitus after Tepezza use, those affected must be aware of their rights and possible legal actions. The ongoing Indiana Tepezza lawsuit seeks to hold Horizon Therapeutics accountable for the alleged lack of adequate warnings about the risk of hearing damage associated with the medication.

Potential Settlements and Compensation in Indiana Tepezza Lawsuits

For those who have experienced hearing loss or tinnitus after using Tepezza, a successful lawsuit could result in significant compensation. Depending on the specific circumstances of each case, plaintiffs may be eligible for economic and non-economic damages, as well as punitive damages, if certain conditions are met.

Based on previous hearing loss settlements and verdicts, the potential settlement compensation in a Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit could range between $140,000 and $350,000. Of course, each case is unique, and the actual compensation awarded will depend on various factors, such as the severity of the hearing loss, the impact on the plaintiff’s quality of life, and the conduct of the defendant.

Who Qualifies to File an Indiana Tepezza Lawsuit?

Individuals who have experienced hearing loss or tinnitus after receiving Tepezza infusions for thyroid eye disease qualify to file an Indiana Tepezza lawsuit. The lawsuit seeks to hold Horizon Therapeutics accountable for the alleged lack of adequate warnings about the risk of hearing damage associated with Tepezza.

Suppose you or a loved one has been affected by permanent hearing loss or tinnitus after using Tepezza. In that case, it’s crucial to seek legal advice to understand your rights and potential compensation options. A Tepezza lawyer can help evaluate your case and guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit.

Filing an Indiana Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuit

To file a Tepezza lawsuit, you must have skilled Tepezza lawyers by your side, which is of utmost importance. A Tepezza lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal process and advocate for the compensation you deserve for your hearing damage.

Many law firms, offer free, no-obligation case reviews and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t have to pay anything for their services until they win a successful settlement or verdict. This ensures that you can pursue justice without worrying about out-of-pocket costs, allowing you to focus on your well-being and recovery.

FAQs

What evidence is needed for a Tepezza lawsuit?
Evidence includes medical records, proof of Tepezza use, expert testimonies, and studies linking Tepezza to the adverse side effects experienced.

Have there been any settlements for Tepezza lawsuits?
Some cases may settle out of court. Your lawyer can provide guidance on the likelihood and process of settlement based on your specific situation.

Can I sue if I experienced minor side effects from Tepezza?
Lawsuits are typically filed for serious side effects. Consult a lawyer to discuss whether your side effects warrant legal action.

See all related dangerous drug lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get a Free Consultation From Indiana Tepezza Lawyers.

At Schmidt and Clark, LLP we extend unwavering assistance in your time of need. If you or a loved one has faced permanent hearing loss linked to Tepezza, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us. Our legal team boasts significant expertise in managing such cases and will stand by your side throughout the entire process.

You should be well informed about your legal rights and the potential for a Tepezza lawsuit. You can be assured that our consultations are always offered without any charge, and you won’t have any financial obligations unless we secure a favorable outcome for your case.

Reference:

1. https://misuse.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/error/abuse.shtml
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9058351/
3. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/761143s023lbl.pdf