Research Suggests Six-Week Teprotumumab Dosing Interval to Protect Hearing

A new dosing approach has been proposed to mitigate hearing risks associated with thyroid eye disease (TED) treatment. Dr. Raymond Douglas presented research suggesting that extending the interval between teprotumumab infusions from three to six weeks could help protect hearing in TED patients who already experience hearing loss.

Teprotumumab is the first FDA-approved medication for TED, an autoimmune condition causing symptoms like eye bulging, inflammation, and double vision. The approved regimen involves eight infusions administered every three weeks. Studies have reported hearing-related side effects in approximately 10% of patients in clinical trials, and up to 50% in high-risk individuals with pre-existing hearing problems.

The study, presented at the American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASOPRS) 57th Annual Fall Scientific Symposium in New Orleans, found that patients on a six-week dosing schedule were over 60% less likely to experience hearing decline compared to those on the standard three-week interval. Importantly, the treatment's effectiveness in reducing inflammation, eye bulging, and double vision did not appear to be compromised by the longer interval.

These findings suggest that a prolonged infusion interval might offer a beneficial option for patients at higher risk of hearing impairment. The study was a retrospective analysis of a small patient cohort, and researchers acknowledge the need for larger prospective studies to confirm the results. Dr. Douglas and collaborator Dr. Terry J. Smith also received the ASOPRS Outstanding Contribution Award for their work on TED.