Monoclonal Antibody Treatment for High Risk Covid-19 Positive Patients

Your patient may be a candidate to receive monoclonal antibodies. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently authorized emergency use of two treatments. These treatments are for people who are experiencing mild to moderate symptoms of COVID-19 and are at high risk of developing severe disease and at risk of being hospitalized.

Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system's ability to fight off harmful antigens such as viruses. Monoclonal antibodies to treat COVID-19 are directed against the spike protein of SARS-COV2, designed to block the virus' attachment and entry into human cells.

Only high risk groups have been authorized for treatment at this time. Examples are people who:

• Are ≥ 65 years old, OR
• Have chronic kidney disease, OR
• Have diabetes, OR
• Have a BMI ≥ 25, OR
• Have immunosuppressive disease, OR
• Have immunosuppressive treatment, OR
• Are pregnant, OR
• Are ≥ 55 years old AND have:
  • Cardiovascular disease, OR
  • Hypertension, OR
  • COPD or other chronic respiratory disease, OR
• Are 12-17 years old AND have:
  • BMI ≥ 85th Percentile for their age and gender based on CDC growth charts, OR
  • Sickle cell disease, OR
  • Congenital or acquired heart disease, OR
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders, for example, cerebral palsy, OR
  • A medical-related technological dependence, for example, tracheostomy, gastrostomy, or positive pressure ventilation (not related to COVID-19), OR
  • Asthma, reactive airway or other chronic respiratory disease that requires daily medication for control

No, hospitalization is a contradiction to monoclonal antibody treatment as benefit has not been shown in hospitalized patients.

Patients who develop COVID-19 infection despite vaccination MAY receive monoclonal antibody therapy.

Download all forms in the ordering packet and fax them to the Lake Regional COVID Infusion Center at 573.348.8170. If you have questions, contact Whitney Carney, R.N., at 573.302.3599 or wcarney@lakeregional.com.

This treatment should only be administered in settings where health care providers have immediate access to medications to treat severe infusion reaction, such as anaphylaxis, and the ability to activate the emergency medical system, if necessary. Required elements for administering monoclonal treatment can be found in the Emergency Use Authorization. Visit combatcovid.hhs.gov for more information.