Future treatments for TED offer hope
A hopeful update from the 2025 BOPSS Annual Meeting
The 2025 British Oculoplastic Surgery Society (BOPSS) Annual Meeting brought together leading eye surgeons, researchers, and clinicians to share the latest findings in Thyroid Eye Disease (TED).
For patients living with TED, the message was clear: real progress is being made. For too long, treatment options have been limited to steroids, surgery, or simply “waiting it out.” But that is changing. New treatments are now in development—and some are already in use—that aim to target the root cause of TED, reduce inflammation, improve appearance, and ease the impact of this life-changing condition.
Here’s a summary of five key treatments that were showcased here—each offering real reasons to feel hopeful.
1. Teprotumumab – Still Leading the Way
Teprotumumab is the first ever drug designed specifically for TED. It works by blocking the IGF-1R pathway, which drives inflammation and the swelling behind the eyes.
It’s already being used in the United States, and now that the pharmaceutical company Amgen is supporting it, there’s serious progress toward bringing it to more people in the UK and Europe.
Even better: trials are underway to deliver the drug as a self-injection at home, instead of an infusion in hospital. This would make the treatment more accessible and convenient for many people living with TED.
2. Veligrotug – A Gentler Alternative on the Horizon
Veligrotug (pronounced VEL-i-gro-tug) is a new drug in development that also blocks the IGF-1R protein, like Teprotumumab. What makes it stand out is its potential for fewer side effects and better tolerance.
It’s still in the early stages of testing, but if successful, Veligrotug could offer a more affordable and gentler option—especially for patients who may not respond well to current treatments.
3. Verdi-3 – For Inflammation and Fibrosis
One of the most exciting updates was on Verdi-3, a drug being developed by Veridian. Unlike many treatments that only work during the “hot” or active phase of TED, Verdi-3 is being designed to help with both inflammation and fibrosis(scarring and stiff tissue).
This could make a real difference for patients who are in the later stages of TED, where swelling may have settled but discomfort, restriction, and cosmetic concerns remain.
This drug could finally offer relief and improvement even when the disease is no longer considered “active.”
4. UplighTED – A New Kind of Immune Therapy
UplighTED, from Argenx, takes a different approach from the IGF-1R blockers. It works by reducing harmful autoantibodies through FcRn inhibition—a mechanism already used in other autoimmune diseases.
If you haven’t responded to current therapies, or are unable to receive them, UplighTED could represent a whole new route to treatment. While it’s still early in its development, the science behind it is solid, and the team at Argenx has a strong track record in immune-mediated diseases.
5. Linsitinib – A Daily Pill Could Be a Game-Changer
Of all the developments, this may be the one many TED patients are most excited about: a daily oral tablet called Linsitinib, being developed by Sling Therapeutics.
Like Teprotumumab, it targets the IGF-1R pathway, but instead of an infusion or injection, it’s taken as a simple tablet. This could revolutionise TED treatment by making it less invasive, more convenient, and easier to access.
It’s still in trials, but if approved, Linsitinib could become a first-line option for many patients.
Why This Matters
These treatments represent more than just scientific progress—they represent hope.
For years, people with TED have had few choices. But now, researchers and pharmaceutical companies are actively listening and responding. We are finally seeing targeted, personalised treatments being developed—some for early-stage TED, some for long-term effects, and others for those who haven’t responded to existing options.
What Can Patients Do Now?
- Talk to your specialist – Ask if you may be eligible for clinical trials or if new treatments are on the horizon
- Stay informed – Follow updates from organisations like BOPSS or the Thyroid Eye Disease Charities
- Take care of your thyroid health – A stable thyroid helps reduce TED symptoms
- Find your community – Support groups, both online and in person, can make a big difference
- Stay hopeful – With multiple new therapies in development, change is coming
This update is based on expert discussions and presentations at the 2025 BOPSS Annual Meeting. It is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice from a healthcare professional.
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