FDA approves Viridian's Lumvoa, positioning it against Amgen's Tepezza in thyroid eye disease

The Food and Drug Administration has granted approval for Viridian Therapeutics' drug Lumvoa to treat thyroid eye disease, an autoimmune condition that can cause eye pain, bulging and vision problems.

Lumvoa targets the same inflammation driver as Amgen's Tepezza but requires only five infusions, each lasting 30 to 40 minutes, compared with Tepezza's eight infusions that can take up to 90 minutes.

Analysts say the shorter treatment course could give Lumvoa a competitive edge and open a larger market opportunity alongside the established Tepezza therapy.