AZ Did you know about Monoclonal Antibodies for COVID-19?

Authorship by Arizona Department of Health Services

What are monoclonal antibodies?

Antibodies are part of the body’s immune system and help to fight off infections. These antibodies, which occur naturally in some people after vaccination or infection, can be copied in a laboratory and used to prevent or treat COVID-19. Antibodies made in a lab can function like natural antibodies to limit the amount of virus within the body. These are called monoclonal antibodies, which are also referred to as mAbs.

Currently, there are two products allowed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) for treatment of people infected with COVID-19. The two products (bamlanivimab/etesevimab and casirivimab/imdevimab) are currently recommended by the National Institutes of Health to be given in outpatient healthcare facilities.

Who should get monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19?

Monoclonal antibody treatments are for people who have tested positive for COVID-19, have mild to moderate symptoms for 10 days or less, and are at high risk of getting very sick from COVID-19 that may require hospitalization.

People aged 65 and older and those with chronic medical conditions are considered to be at high risk for severe COVID-19 infection and may be eligible for treatment. These medications are given as an infusion through a vein in the arm. It is recommended that mAb treatment is given as soon as possible after high risk patients test positive for SARS-COV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These medications are not approved for people hospitalized with COVID-19 and requiring oxygen for their infection.

Why should I get monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19?

Early evidence reveals that these medications can reduce the amount of virus in the body, which may prevent COVID-19 infection from getting worse and requiring hospital care. These agents also have evidence to suggest that they continue to remain effective against several COVID-19 variants.

It is possible to become infected with COVID-19 even after being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Monoclonal antibody treatment may be given to people who have previously received COVID-19 vaccines.

What if I have more questions?

For questions about whether you can or should get monoclonal antibody treatment for your confirmed COVID-19 infection, call your doctor or health care provider. You may also contact the Combat COVID Monoclonal Antibodies Call Center at 1-877-332-6585. The federal locator can help you find a healthcare facility near you that is giving these medications.

For more information regarding monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19, please see the following resources:

• Monoclonal Antibodies for High-Risk COVID-19 Patients
  
• FAQs About Monoclonal Antibodies for Consumers
  
• Fact Sheet for Patients, Parents and Caregivers Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of Bamlanivimab/etesevimab for Coronavirus Disease 2019
  
• Fact Sheet for Patients, Parents and Caregivers Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of Casirivimab/imdevimab for Coronavirus Disease 2019
• Monoclonal antibodies for high-risk Covid-19 patients video https://combatcovid.hhs.gov/i-have-covid-19-now/monoclonal-antibodies-high-risk-covid-19-positive-patients?gclid=CjwKCAjw7J6EBhBDEiwA5UUM2pF8629qxiMvgecr3OBtRyF9VTQoWXAvmpmsRfguTIGcZP86_1POWRoCIbkQAvD_BwE