Breakthrough Treatment for Thyroid Eye Disease Shows Promising Results
A new monoclonal antibody therapy, veligrotug, has demonstrated significant improvements in treating moderate-to-severe active thyroid eye disease (TED), according to a phase 3 clinical trial published in Ophthalmology on June 1, 2026. This study, named THRIVE, evaluated the efficacy and safety of veligrotug, which targets the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, in 113 patients across 29 global sites.
Key Findings from the THRIVE Trial
Veligrotug, administered as five intravenous infusions over 12 weeks, showed rapid and durable improvements in proptosis (bulging eyes), diplopia (double vision), and disease activity. At week 15, 70% of patients treated with veligrotug achieved a proptosis responder rate compared to 5% in the placebo group. MRI/CT scans also showed a 71% responder rate in the veligrotug group versus 9% in the placebo group.
For diplopia, 59% of veligrotug patients experienced improvement, with 49% achieving complete resolution, compared to 20% improvement and 12% resolution in the placebo group. Disease inactivation, defined as a clinical activity score of 0 or 1, was achieved in 65% of veligrotug-treated patients versus 18% in the placebo group.
How Veligrotug Works
Thyroid eye disease is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and swelling behind the eyes, leading to proptosis, diplopia, and discomfort. Veligrotug targets the insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, which plays a key role in the disease’s pathophysiology. By blocking this receptor, the therapy aims to reduce inflammation and prevent further tissue damage.
Study Methodology
The THRIVE trial enrolled 113 adults with moderate-to-severe active TED, defined as disease onset within 15 months, proptosis of at least 3 mm above normal, and a clinical activity score of 3 or higher. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either 10 mg/kg of veligrotug (n = 75) or placebo (n = 38). Primary endpoints varied by region, focusing on proptosis and clinical activity scores.
Durability of Results
Most patients who showed reduced proptosis at week 15 maintained their improvement through week 52. The median time to proptosis response was 3.5 weeks, with rapid improvements observed as early as week 3. Veligrotug was generally well-tolerated, with a 4% treatment discontinuation rate and no serious adverse events reported.
Limitations and Future Research
The study used the Gorman score to assess diplopia, a subjective patient-reported measure. Longer-term follow-up is needed to determine the sustained benefits of veligrotug. The trial focused on active TED, so further research is required to evaluate its role in chronic cases.
Implications for Clinical Practice
“These results highlight veligrotug’s potential as a next-generation therapy for TED, addressing both the underlying disease mechanisms and clinical symptoms,” the researchers concluded. The study was funded by Viridian Therapeutics, Inc., with several authors disclosing ties to the company.
Conclusion
Veligrotug represents a significant advancement in TED treatment, offering hope for patients who often face limited options. As research continues, this therapy could reshape the management of this challenging condition.