Those at high risk for severe cases of COVID-19 now have access to a potentially lifesaving antibody treatment that can reduce the likelihood of becoming seriously ill from it. This treatment, offered at AdventHealth’s locations across the country, is the latest in a suite of COVID-19 therapeutics aimed at helping those with the virus recover safely.
A single dose of the monoclonal antibody Bamlanivimab has been found to lower the chance of hospitalization or ER visits for people with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 symptoms who are at greater risk of hospitalization due to their age or a chronic medical condition, according to the FDA’s November 2020 emergency use authorization.
The medication, which is secured by the federal government and then distributed to states, contains proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight the virus. It consists of the monoclonal antibody bamlanivimab, as well as a combination therapy of the monoclonal antibody treatments casirivimab and imdevimab, commonly known as Regeneron.
Doctors are able to prescribe the treatment to patients with an onset of symptoms within the past ten days who have high-risk factors such as diabetes, heart disease, or obesity and are not hospitalized or on oxygen. Some AdventHealth locations have opened dedicated antibody treatment clinics where patients can comfortably receive the hour-long intravenous infusion.
“We are thrilled to offer this lifesaving treatment to those at high risk for severe COVID-19 as a way to reduce hospitalizations and allow safe recoveries from the comfort of their own home,” said Brent Box, MD, chief medical officer for AdventHealth.
Monoclonal antibody treatments join a host of other COVID-19 therapies offered at AdventHealth, including remdesivir, sarilumab, dexamethasone, and convalescent plasma. The health system hopes to continue increasing its capacity for administering this treatment as federal supply distribution allows.