Who is a candidate for monoclonal antibody treatments?

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DETROIT – Henry Ford Health System announced Thursday that it is working with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to increase access to monoclonal antibody treatments.

Related: How Therapeutics Can Help Michigan’s COVID Cases

That includes opening a new infusion center at the CHASS Center and expanding infusion services at Henry Ford hospitals in Detroit, Clinton Township and Henry Ford Allegiance in Jackson.

You don’t have to be a Henry Ford patient to receive treatment at one of the sites, but you do need a referral from a doctor.

These drugs have been available under an emergency use license since the end of 2020. Initially, supply was tightly controlled due to concerns that there would be high demand. As it turns out, there is plenty in stock and what we need is for patients and doctors to know when they can be used.

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The treatments include Bamlanivimab and Etesevimab from Eli Lilly and Company and another combination cocktail from Regeneron. They are monoclonal antibodies that – when given as a single IV infusion – provide immediate antibody protection against the spike protein on the surface of COVID-19.

The research into their effectiveness is what guided the FDA in determining who should and should not receive the drugs.

Those who are hospitalized or require supplemental oxygen are not eligible for treatment with a monoclonal antibody.

To be eligible for monoclonal antibody treatments, you must have at least one of the following high-risk conditions:

  • Obesity

  • Diabetes mellitus

  • Chronic kidney disease

  • Immunosuppressant disease

  • Over 65 years old

People aged 55-65 with high blood pressure, heart or chronic lung disease are also eligible.

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It can also be given to children between the ages of 12 and 17 who have other very specific medical conditions.

The bottom line is, if you have symptoms, test positive for COVID, and meet any of these criteria, you should contact your doctor to be referred for an infusion of monoclonal antibody treatment.

These treatments are not a substitute for vaccination. It is best for everyone to avoid getting COVID, and you can only do that with a vaccine. Monoclonal antibody treatments are only useful after you have been infected. While they are helpful, many people, even with treatment, will still get worse.

More information about Henry Ford Health System’s monoclonal antibody therapy can be found on the official website here.

You can find an infusion site using the National Infusion Center Association’s location tool here.

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