A new drug called veligrotug has shown promising results in reducing proptosis (eye bulging) and other vision issues for people with thyroid eye disease (TED). In a recent phase 3 clinical trial, 70 percent of those treated with veligrotug had improvement in eye bulging, compared to only 5 percent of those given a placebo (inactive treatment). For over half of the participants, the study treatment also helped relieve diplopia (double vision), a symptom often linked to the eye swelling and pressure of TED. Additionally, 64 percent of participants achieved little to no eye inflammation, which reduces pain, redness, and eyelid swelling.

Veligrotug works by blocking insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R), a protein involved in the immune response that causes tissue to swell around the eyes in TED. It’s similar to teprotumumab (Tepezza), the first medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat moderate to severe TED. Teprotumumab also targets IGF-1R. By stopping this protein, veligrotug helps reduce pressure, swelling, and symptoms like bulging eyes and double vision. Further clinical trials are underway.

Speeding Up TED Treatment

Eye bulging, double vision, and inflammation around the eyes are challenging TED symptoms. These are typically managed with steroids, teprotumumab, lubricating eye drops, radiation therapy, and sometimes surgery in severe cases. Double vision may also be treated with prism glasses or eye muscle surgery. The IGF-1R-targeted infusion approach may reduce the need for invasive procedures and offer faster, more comprehensive symptom control. If you’re living with TED and experiencing eye bulging, double vision, or eye discomfort, speak with your health care provider about treatment options.

Learn more about IGF-1R-targeting drugs and 10 other treatment options for TED.

Find Your Team

On TEDhealthteam, the social network for people living with thyroid eye disease and their loved ones, members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with TED.

Have you noticed changes in your eyes from TED? How do you manage symptoms? Share your tips and experiences in a comment below, or start a conversation on your Activities page.