Satralizumab for treating thyroid eye disease

Satralizumab is being developed for the treatment of thyroid eye disease (TED). TED is a rare but potentially debilitating condition which occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the tissue around and behind the eye, causing inflammation in the tissues. This can cause the eyes and eyelids to become red, swollen and uncomfortable and the eyes to be pushed forward. In some cases, there is swelling and stiffness of the muscles that move the eyes so that they no longer move in line with each other; this can cause double vision. Symptoms can severely affect daily functioning, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. Management of TED can be complex, and there is considerable variation in disease severity and response to treatments. There is still a need for better treatments for people whose disease comes back, who have significant side effects from current treatments, or who have long-term illness with no established treatment available.