What you should know about monoclonal antibodies in the battle to fight COVID-19

As the COVID- 19 pandemic continues, medical providers are discovering new tools to battle the deadly virus.

One of these tools is monoclonal antibodies, also known as mabs.

The U. S. Food and Drug Administration ( FDA) has granted emergency use authorization ( EUA) of two monoclonal antibody treatments specifically targeted for COVID- 19. One is made by pharmaceutical company Regeneron; the other by Glaxosmithkline.

What are monoclonal antibodies?

Monoclonal antibodies are proteins made in a lab. These antibodies, when administered, can join a person’s natural immune system as a potent ally to fight the COVID- 19 virus.

When a person is infected with COVID- 19, it takes their immune system some time to produce antibodies that can fight off the virus. That’s true even if a person has been vaccinated. Monoclonal antibodies are the “first responders” that can arrive to the battle early while the body is training the natural immune forces for the fight.

Monoclonal antibodies are administered either as infusions or shots by a medical provider or pharmacist.

Who can receive monoclonal antibodies?

Not everyone who has COVID- 19 can receive monoclonal antibodies.

This therapy is for people who are 12 years of age and older and are not hospitalized or severely ill. If someone is critically ill with the virus, the FDA recommends they not receive this therapy. Monoclonal antibodies are meant to be used at the onset of COVID- 19 to prevent the virus from progressing. So, it is very important that both providers and patients be aware of their existence.

The FDA authorized Regeneron’s therapy for people who are mildly ill but at high risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID- 19, and those who are not currently ill but who have been exposed to an infected person. For example, people living in a nursing home where someone who was recently diagnosed with COVID- 19 would be eligible.

If used as a preventive measure, the person receiving the therapy:

- Should be classified as high risk for progression to severe COVID- 19, including hospitalization or death, and

- Not fully vaccinated, or someone who would not be expected to build an adequate immune response after completing a COVID- 19 vaccination ( for example, people with immunocomp romi s ing conditions, including those taking immunosuppressive medications), and

- Have been exposed to an individual infected with COVID- 19 consistent with close contact criteria per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC), or

- At high risk of exposure due to a COVID- 19 infection in other individuals in the same institutional setting ( for example, nursing homes or prisons).

If someone is mild to moderately sick, monoclonal antibody treatment should begin as soon as possible after a positive test and within 10 days of symptoms.

How do you receive this therapy?

There are two ways to receive monoclonal antibody therapy – either through an IV transfusion or injected under the skin with a very small needle.

A qualified health professional must prescribe the treatment. The Arkansas Department of Health has authorized appropriately trained pharmacists to administer it.

An infusion or injection treatment takes about an hour. Patients must wait afterwards to be monitored for side effects, which are unlikely but possible as with any medical treatment. Some symptoms may worsen after treatment, according to the FDA.

Is the therapy effective? Studies show this therapy is highly effective at preventing high- risk patients from developing severe COVID- 19 symptoms that would lead to hospitalization, and possibly, death.