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Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuit

Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuit Update

Our lawyers will keep you abreast of what is happening with our Tepezza lawsuit updates as news develops:

April 9, 2025: The MDL judge denied plaintiffs’ motion to compel Horizon Therapeutics to produce six Patient Access Liaisons (PALs) and one sales representative for deposition in the Tepezza multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 3079). The Court found that plaintiffs had not shown “good cause” under Rule 30 to exceed the agreed deposition limits and denied the motion.

April 1, 2025: The Tepezza hearing loss MDL now includes 207 total lawsuits, up from 203 in early March. The first of four scheduled bellwether trials is set to begin in March 2026.

March 25, 2025: The first bellwether trials in the litigation will take place in 2026, beginning in April and running through September.

March 4, 2025: The Tepezza hearing loss litigation entered the month of February with 203 cases and now has 207 cases.

January 11, 2025: The volume of new cases in the Tepezza hearing loss MDL continues to be very sluggish, with 200 pending cases in the MDL.

December 30, 2024: A hearing for selection of bellwether test case selection has been set for January 28, 2025, in the Tepezza MDL. Three of the 12 previously selected bellwether “discovery cases” will be chosen for the first round of actual bellwether test trials.

December 2, 2024: The Tepezza hearing loss MDL saw a notable surge in November, with 11 new cases added, bringing the total number of claims to a relatively small number for a mass tort.

November 13, 2024: The court addressed the plaintiffs’ motion regarding obstructive defense counsel objections during a deposition and ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, finding the defense counsel’s objections were obstructive and unnecessary.

November 4, 2024: Plaintiffs’ counsel filed a motion alleging that defense attorneys repeatedly made speaking objections and engaged in witness coaching during a deposition of Horizon’s Director of Regulatory Affairs.

November 1, 2024: The Tepezza MDL continues to experience gradual growth, with a total of 180 pending cases.

October 29, 2024: Taking advantage of a now-fixed Michigan law, Horizon was able to dismiss one of the 12 bellwether cases in the MDL.

October 18, 2024: In a newly filed lawsuit, an Oklahoma resident has taken legal action against Horizon Therapeutics claiming that Tepezza caused irreversible hearing damage.

October 1, 2024: Only five new cases were added to the Tepezza hearing loss class action MDL during September, bringing the total to 178 pending cases.

September 17, 2024: A Florida woman has filed a new lawsuit against Horizon Therapeutics USA, Inc., alleging that Tepezza caused her permanent hearing loss.

September 3, 2024: In August, 33 new cases were added to the Tepezza hearing loss MDL, bringing the total number of pending cases to 173.

August 27, 2024: The next status conference in the MDL has been set for September 5, 2024. Oral arguments on the defense’s motion to dismiss one bellwether discovery case are set for October 16, 2024.

August 18, 2024: The parties have successfully negotiated an agreement regarding the number and scheduling of depositions, divided into two phases before February 14, 2025, and between that date and April 10, 2025.

August 1, 2024: Growth in the Tepezza MDL continues to be slow, with a total of 148 pending cases.

July 30, 2024: Horizon filed a motion to dismiss. Lawyers for both sides were scheduled to meet to resolve issues regarding the scope and number of corporate and expert witness depositions.

July 18, 2024: There will be a Tepezza settlement mediation this month.

July 14, 2024: The court has set bellwether trial dates: March 9, 2026; May 4, 2026; June 29, 2026; and August 24, 2026.

July 1, 2024: The Tepezza MDL continues to grow at a steady rate, with 19 new lawsuits added last month, including one on behalf of a Colorado plaintiff alleging severe and potentially permanent hearing loss.

June 5, 2024: The first bellwether trial for the Tepezza MDL is set for March 9, 2026, with three additional trials scheduled throughout 2026.

June 3, 2024: More slow growth in the Tepezza hearing loss class action MDL, with a total of 120 cases.

June 2, 2024: Horizon has picked four women as its bellwether selections.

May 20, 2024: The judge in the Tepezza hearing loss MDL recently set a date of March 9, 2026, for the first bellwether trial to begin and instructed both sides to collaborate on a discovery and bellwether case selection schedule.

May 1, 2024: Very slow growth continues in the Tepezza hearing loss litigation, with a total of just 113 cases pending in the MDL.

April 13, 2024: The status hearing originally scheduled for April 22, 2024, has been canceled, and the joint status report is now due by April 24, 2024. An in-person status hearing is scheduled for May 1, 2024.

April 9, 2024: In a new Tepezza lawsuit, a Florida man alleges he sustained severe injuries, including permanent hearing loss and tinnitus, due to Tepezza infusions.

April 1, 2024: The growth in the Tepezza hearing loss class action MDL continues to be very slow, with a current total of 101 pending cases.

March 19, 2024: Oral arguments are tomorrow on the defendants’ effort to slow down the process of getting to bellwether trials.

March 13, 2024: Lawyers defending Tepezza for Horizon have requested a two-month postponement for choosing four lawsuits for early bellwether discovery and potential trial preparation.

March 10, 2024: Last month, 19 new cases were transferred into the Tepezza hearing loss class action MDL, bringing the total to 93 pending cases.

March 1, 2024: Innovent Biologics’ thyroid eye disease (TED) treatment, a competitor to Tepezza, is nearing approval in China after a successful phase 3 trial.

February 15, 2024: Tepezza lawyers reported ongoing disagreement over a protocol for handling data from non-custodial sources, with simultaneous submissions to the Court due by February 28, 2024.

February 8, 2024: The parties have agreed to a plan for Horizon to produce documents in the Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits, with full production expected by the end of the year.

January 15, 2024: Three new cases alleging hearing loss have been added to the Tepezza class action MDL, bringing the total to 74 (or 75 with a case filed in 2024).

January 9, 2024: Attorneys engaged in the Tepezza hearing loss litigation jointly requested a 60-day extension to review medical records and other critical documents to more effectively identify cases for the Initial Bellwether Discovery Pool.

January 8, 2024: Tepezza plaintiffs’ attorneys filed a motion opposing Horizon’s request to postpone a case management conference.

January 1, 2024: The last week of 2023 saw no new entries in the Tepezza hearing loss class action MDL.

December 18, 2023: Twelve new cases were transferred into the Tepezza hearing loss class action MDL, bringing the total up to 71.

December 1, 2023: An early discovery battle is emerging in the Tepezza hearing loss MDL, with plaintiffs’ lawyers filing a “Narrative Submission” outlining complaints about Horizon’s compliance with initial discovery issues.

November 20, 2023: A Florida woman became a new plaintiff in the Tepezza hearing loss class action litigation, alleging permanent hearing loss and tinnitus after Tepezza infusions.

November 19, 2023: Only five new cases were transferred into the Tepezza hearing loss class action MDL, bringing the total to 59 pending cases.

November 6, 2023: Lawyers for Tepezza victims won a motion to dismiss, allowing claims alleging Horizon should have developed a safer version of Tepezza before seeking FDA approval.

November 3, 2023: The judge in the Tepezza hearing loss class action MDL issued a new Case Management Order outlining the rules for bellwether case selection and trials, with an initial pool of 12 bellwether candidates to be selected within 60 days.

September 18, 2023: The Tepezza class action MDL had 54 pending cases, a small increase from 41 in June.

September 14, 2023: Magistrate Judge M. David Weisman was appointed to oversee the discovery process in the Tepezza class action, including modifying deadlines and overseeing settlement conferences. A preliminary status hearing was set for September 19, 2023.

September 11, 2023: Amgen Inc.’s acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics, the manufacturer of Tepezza, was cleared, meaning Amgen will assume liability for Tepezza hearing loss claims.

September 10, 2023: A status hearing in the Tepezza class action lawsuit was held on Friday, September 8, 2023, with directives for Tepezza lawyers to submit a proposed agreed order concerning privileged materials and a protective order.

September 1, 2023: Plaintiffs in the Tepezza class action MDL are pushing for a fast schedule for bellwether trials, proposing each side select three candidate cases for a short discovery phase. Horizon’s counsel proposed a slightly larger pool of 10 cases.

August 18, 2023: A new Tepezza lawsuit, Mhamdi v. Horizon Therapeutics USA, Inc., was directly filed in the MDL by a Florida woman alleging permanent hearing loss and/or tinnitus after Tepezza infusions, with claims of negligent failure to warn.

August 15, 2023: Five new Tepezza hearing loss cases were transferred into the MDL, bringing the total to 46 pending cases.

August 2, 2023: The first major scheduling order in the Tepezza class action MDL is still pending. The number of new Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits filed has been intermittent, with three new cases in July and 16 in June.

July 25, 2023: Horizon Pharmaceuticals faces increasing scrutiny over alleged Tepezza-induced hearing loss and purported failure to adequately warn about associated risks. The FDA updated Tepezza’s warning to include strong language about severe and irreversible auditory damage.

June 19, 2023: The first status conference in the new Tepezza class action MDL is scheduled for June 28, 2023, before Judge Durkin.

June 5, 2023: A new Tepezza class action lawsuit against Horizon was officially established.

June 5, 2023: Tepezza Class Action Lawsuit Officially Formed It is official. A new Tepezza class action lawsuit has been established against Horizon Therapeutics USA Inc. The litigation addresses allegations that the company failed to adequately warn about the potential for hearing loss and tinnitus associated with their thyroid eye disease drug, Tepezza. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) has consolidated the cases, and Judge Thomas M. Durkin of Chicago will preside over this coordinated legal proceeding (technically an MDL, not a class action). Our legal team expresses strong confidence in the merits of these lawsuits. We anticipate that victims will receive fair settlement compensation, particularly now that plaintiffs will benefit from a jointly organized strategy for pursuing discovery and building their Tepezza cases. May 31, 2023: New Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuit Filed in Ohio A new Tepezza lawsuit was filed in Ohio last week on behalf of a plaintiff diagnosed with thyroid eye disease (or Graves’ disease) who received Tepezza infusions from April 2021 through October 2021. The lawsuit alleges that neither the plaintiff nor their physicians received warnings about the severe risk of permanent hearing loss and/or tinnitus associated with Tepezza. The plaintiff now suffers from permanent hearing loss (and/or tinnitus). May 22, 2023: Pace of New Tepezza Lawsuits Accelerates Amidst Amgen Acquisition Concerns With the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) scheduled to hear oral arguments on the creation of a new class action MDL, the rate of new Tepezza hearing loss cases continues to increase. Ten new Tepezza lawsuits were filed in federal courts over the past week. Meanwhile, Amgen’s acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics faces uncertainty as the Federal Trade Commission sought an injunction to block the $27 billion deal. May 11, 2023: Horizon Opposes MDL Consolidation Despite Rising Lawsuit Numbers As the number of Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits continues to grow, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) is set to hold a hearing on May 25, 2023, to decide whether to consolidate the federal Tepezza cases into a class action MDL. Horizon Therapeutics has filed a motion opposing this consolidation, arguing that an MDL is not warranted due to an insufficient number of pending cases and suggesting a limited future volume of Tepezza lawsuits. May 8, 2023: Surge in Tepezza Lawsuit Filings Precedes MDL Decision The rate of new Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits being filed nationwide has significantly increased over the past six weeks. Since a motion seeking MDL consolidation was filed in March, listing 18 pending Tepezza cases in five federal districts, an additional seven Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits have been filed in federal courts across the country. The JPML is scheduled to consider the creation of a new class action MDL at the end of this month. April 26, 2023: JPML to Decide on Tepezza Class Action MDL The Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) panel will determine on May 25, 2023, whether a Tepezza class action lawsuit should be created to consolidate all federal court cases under one judge to streamline pretrial proceedings, coordinate discovery, and prevent inconsistent rulings. April 14, 2023: Horizon Expands Tepezza Approval Amidst Growing Lawsuits As more Tepezza lawsuits are filed and the decision on a potential class action lawsuit awaits, Horizon Therapeutics announced new FDA approval for an amendment to the indication language for Tepezza, broadening its use in treating Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) patients. This expansion followed positive results from a Phase 4 clinical trial showing significant reduction in proptosis. April 13, 2023: Motion Filed for Tepezza Hearing Loss Class Action MDL in California A motion has been filed seeking the consolidation of hearing damage lawsuits into a single Tepezza class action lawsuit for federal court claims. The motion, filed with the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML), lists 18 pending Tepezza product liability cases across five different federal districts and requests the Northern District of California as the venue if the MDL is granted. April 4, 2023: Study Links Tepezza Hearing Loss to Dosage Levels A research team from Stanford University published a case study indicating a direct connection between hearing loss and dosage levels of Tepezza injections. The study detailed a patient who experienced hearing loss with a full dose of Tepezza, which resolved upon discontinuation but did not recur with a much lower dose. March 24, 2023: Increase in Federal Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuits Since the beginning of March, four new lawsuits alleging permanent hearing damage from Tepezza injections have been filed in federal courts, bringing the total to 34 such lawsuits. Voluntary dismissals were filed in 13 of these cases, suggesting potential settlements. February 28, 2023: Examining a Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuit [Link to example Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit document] February 14, 2023: Horizon Seeks Dismissal of Tepezza Hearing Loss Claims Based on Federal Preemption Horizon Therapeutics, the maker of Tepezza, is attempting to have the Tepezza hearing loss claims against it dismissed under the doctrine of federal preemption, arguing that FDA regulations regarding warning labels preempt state law tort claims. January 20, 2023: Motion to Consolidate Tepezza Cases Filed in Illinois Lawyers for Tepezza plaintiffs filed a motion to consolidate 10 Tepezza hearing loss cases pending in the Northern District of Illinois before a single judge, aiming for a “local MDL class action lawsuit.” Horizon has opposed this motion, arguing significant differences in factual allegations and noting the limited number of pending federal cases. January 18, 2023: Amgen Acquisition of Horizon Faces Investor Concerns Over Tepezza Risks Amgen’s announced acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics faces a lawsuit from Amgen investors seeking to block the sale due to concerns about allegations that Horizon withheld information regarding the risk of hearing damage associated with Tepezza.

Understanding Tepezza and Thyroid Eye Disease (TED)

Tepezza

Tepezza (teprotumumab-trbw) is the first and only FDA-approved prescription medication for Thyroid Eye Disease (TED), a rare autoimmune disorder causing inflammation and swelling around the eyes. It works by blocking the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R). Tepezza is administered intravenously over three to six months and has shown to improve TED symptoms. Common side effects include muscle spasms, nausea, fatigue, dry skin, and altered taste. Tepezza can also increase blood sugar levels and blood pressure, and cause swelling.

Graves Disease

Thyroid Eye Disease (TED) involves progressive inflammation of eye tissues, leading to symptoms like red, swollen eyelids, discomfort, and sometimes eye bulging (proptosis). Severe vision impairment is rare in TED. TED is an autoimmune condition often linked to hyperthyroidism, with varied symptoms including redness, irritation, dry eyes, pain upon eye movement, and eyelid retraction. Exophthalmos or proptosis is a noticeable symptom. TED progresses through active and inactive phases. Mild TED may be treated with supportive measures, while moderate-to-severe cases might involve corticosteroids or surgery after the active phase. TED is commonly associated with Graves’ disease. The 2008 Consensus Statement suggests TED is often mild and self-limiting.

Studies Link Tepezza to Serious Hearing Loss

Several studies and reports indicate a link between Tepezza use and hearing loss:
  • A study at ENDO 2021 found that 65% of Tepezza patients reported otologic symptoms, including hearing loss, significantly higher than the 10% in earlier trials.
  • A report in The Annals of Otology, Rhinology, and Laryngology described a case of significant, non-improving hearing loss after Tepezza treatment.
  • The American Journal of Ophthalmology highlighted the long-term impact of Tepezza on hearing, with limited recovery in patients experiencing hearing loss.
  • A case series proposed a mechanism for Tepezza-associated hearing loss.
  • Post-FDA approval, patients and doctors reported severe ear and permanent hearing problems, suggesting Horizon understated these risks.

Concerns Raised by Dr. Liu

Internal concerns about Tepezza-related hearing loss were reportedly raised at Horizon by employees, including Dr. Wenzhong “Jerry” Liu. Dr. Liu questioned the reported 10% incidence rate of hearing impairment based on later studies showing much higher rates (e.g., 40% in Study 401). He advocated for disclosing this updated data but was eventually dismissed and filed a wrongful-termination lawsuit.

Horizon Allegedly Failed to Adequately Warn About Hearing Loss Risks

Every Tepezza lawsuit alleges that Horizon’s warnings about hearing loss were inadequate and understated the true risk and potential for permanent damage. Plaintiffs claim they and their doctors were unaware of the actual risks and would not have chosen Tepezza with proper warnings. Over 175 Tepezza lawsuits have been filed in the MDL, with more expected.

Potential Settlement Payouts for Tepezza Hearing Loss Lawsuits

While premature to predict exact settlement amounts, mass tort lawyers believe potential future settlements in Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits could be significant. Current estimates suggest that a Tepezza hearing loss case with favorable facts might have an average settlement compensation ranging from $140,000 to $350,000. The specific value will depend on factors like the plaintiff’s age and pre-existing hearing conditions, with cases involving significant, permanent hearing loss in younger plaintiffs potentially being worth more.

Hearing Loss Settlements and Verdicts in Other Cases

Looking at prior settlements and verdicts in hearing loss cases can provide insight:
  • Beal v 3M Co. (Florida 2022) $5,000,000 compensatory: Verdict for hearing loss suffered by an Army veteran in the 3M earplugs litigation.
  • Vaughn v 3M Co. (Florida 2022) $2,200,000 compensatory: Verdict in the 3M earplugs litigation for a veteran’s hearing loss.
  • M. v Viola (New York 2020) $250,000 settlement: Settlement for permanent hearing loss suffered by a 2-year-old in a car accident (likely policy limits).
  • Luoma v State Farm (Washington 2020) $126,025 verdict + settlement: Award for permanent hearing loss in an auto accident case.

Recent Tepezza Lawsuits

Two recent Tepezza hearing loss lawsuits, Weibel v. Horizon Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Nethery v. Horizon Pharmaceuticals Inc., were filed in the Northern District of Illinois, with similar allegations of hearing loss and tinnitus following Tepezza treatment and claims of inadequate warnings. Horizon filed identical motions to dismiss based on federal preemption, which were unsuccessful.

Establishing the Link Between Tepezza and Hearing Loss

In Tepezza lawsuits, lawyers need to establish a direct link between Tepezza and hearing loss through scientific evidence and expert testimony, including detailed medical records and expert analyses.

How Does Tepezza Cause Hearing-Related Complications?

The exact mechanism is not fully understood but may be related to Tepezza’s immunomodulatory effects, potentially affecting the inner ear or auditory pathways. By inhibiting IGF-1R, Tepezza modulates the immune response, which could inadvertently trigger inflammation impacting hearing structures.

Contact Us About a Tepezza Hearing Damage Lawsuit

Our firm is currently seeking Tepezza hearing damage lawsuits across the country. If you took Tepezza for treatment of TED and you subsequently suffered hearing damage, hearing loss, or permanent ringing in the ears (tinnitus) contact our office today for a free consultation. Contact us online for a free consultation.

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