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State officials across the country are sounding the alarm over shortages of monoclonal antibody drugs used to treat COVID-19, with some warning unvaccinated people not to rely on the availability of such treatments in the event that they contract the virus in the near future.
With demand far outstripping the supply of drugs, namely Regeneron’s REVG-COV and Eli Lilley’s Bamlanivimab, the Biden administration announced this week that the Department of Health and Human Services has “passed over. ‘a direct ordering process to coordinated state / territory distribution system’ for treatments. The agency promising the change would give “health services maximum flexibility to get these essential drugs where they are needed most.”
Bamlanivimab, the first antibody to help the immune system fight COVID-19.
(Courtesy of Eli Lilly via AP)
The HHS decision has prompted a number of states to alert their citizens to the change, and some officials have taken the opportunity to urge unvaccinated residents to get vaccinated, as stocks of antibody treatments could run dry.
“It is much easier to get the vaccine than to risk becoming seriously ill with life-threatening complications,” Georgia Department of Public Health Commissioner Kathleen Toomey said in a statement accompanying the announcement of the. Status regarding the new HHS distribution system. “Monoclonal antibodies are scarce and demand is high and hospital beds are full. What Georgia has is enough vaccines for all Georgians aged 12 and over to be vaccinated.”
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North Dakota warned its residents this week that demand for antibody drugs “is expected to exceed the allowance” in the state.
“Those who have been hesitant to receive the COVID-19 vaccine can rely on monoclonal antibodies for treatment if they become ill,” Nizar Wehbi, North Dakota state health official, said in a statement. “Due to increasing domestic demand and very limited supply, monoclonal antibody treatments may not be as available.”
“Vaccination is still the best protection against serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19,” Wehbi continued, adding, “North Dakotas who have not yet been vaccinated are encouraged to do so. “
At a press briefing this week, White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters regarding the HHS change that “only seven states account for 70% of orders” for antibody treatments.
“Our offer is not unlimited and we believe it should be fair between states, across the country,” she said.
According to Politico, the seven states Psaki referred to are all in the South, and one of them is Florida.
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Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis blasted the Biden administration for the new distribution rules, saying Thursday, “We’ve received a major curve here, with a really huge cut from the HHS and the Biden administration.”
“We are going to make sure that nothing is overlooked,” he told a press conference. “Those who need treatment, we are going to work like hell to get them treated.”
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