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In August, Florida launched the first mobile unit to provide monoclonal antibody treatments to coronavirus patients. Governor Ron De Santis presented him as a “early treatment to keep people out of hospital and reduce mortality.
There are now 21 clinics in the state, including two in South Florida – in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. And more than 40,000 Floridians have received monoclonal antibody treatments.
But many people still don’t know about the treatment, how it works, and who is eligible. So we asked
Dr Eneida Roldan, CEO of FIU HealthCare Network, to answer frequently asked questions about monoclonal antibody therapy for COVID-19.
What is monoclonal antibody therapy for COVID-19?
Post-exposure treatment that uses monoclonal antibodies to prevent serious illness, hospitalization and death in high risk* patients who have contracted or have been exposed to COVID-19.
What are monoclonal antibodies?
They’re similar to the antibodies your immune system makes to fight infection, but they’re mass produced in labs, sometimes using antibodies from patients who have recovered from COVID-19 infection.
Is it safe?
In November 2020, the Federal Drug Administration issued emergency use authorization approving monoclonal antibodies to treat mild to moderate COVID-19. It should not be used in the event of serious illness or hospitalization. The FDA has said that “when used to treat COVID-19 for the licensed population, the known and potential benefits of these antibodies outweigh the known and potential risks.”
How it works?
The treatment blocks the spike proteins, those spikes that protrude from the outside of the coronaviruses, preventing them from entering and infecting cells.
How is it administered?
It can be administered intravenously or by injection.
Who is eligible?
Anyone 12 years of age or older who has contracted or has been exposed to COVID-19. You are eligible for treatment whether or not you are vaccinated.
Also, anyone with a high risk of serious illness. This includes people over 65 and / or with certain medical conditions, including (but not limited to):
- Cancer
- Chronic lung or kidney disease
- Neurological disorders
- Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
- Weakened immune system
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Heart disease
* You can access the Centers for Disease Control’s list of people at high risk here.
Are there any side effects?
The FDA reports possible side effects, including anaphylactic and infusion-related reactions, fever, chills, hives, itching, and flushing.
Do i need a prescription?
No. No referral required at Florida state monoclonal antibody treatment sites.
How much does it cost?
There are NO cost to patients at one of the state of Florida monoclonal antibody treatment sites.
How to make an appointment?
The State of Florida has a website where you can register for treatment and make an appointment.
When should I receive the treatment?
The earliest would be best. Treatment is most effective when given early and should be given before the onset of serious illness.
Does it work?
According to the FDA, clinical trials show that Regeneron Pharmaceutical’s monoclonal cocktail, a combination of two antibodies called casirivimab and imdevimab, reduces hospitalizations or deaths from COVID-19 in high-risk patients by about 70%. Regeneron is the type of treatment available at facilities in the state of Florida.
Roldan notes that while monoclonal antibody therapy can be very effective in early cases, it does not replace vaccination.
“Vaccines are still our frontline weapons in the fight against COVID-19, and I urge anyone who can to get vaccinated,” she said.
However, the CDC warns that if you are treated with monoclonal antibodies, you must wait 90 days before receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
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