Bamlanivimab

I tested positive for the coronavirus and experienced mild symptoms for two days. To prevent the chance of more severe symptoms or hospitalization, I signed up to receive an intravenous infusion of Bamlanivimab — a monoclonal antibody treatment developed by Eli Lilly.

This therapeutic treatment is made available at no charge as part of Operation Warp Speed and administered by the State of Maryland at five locations throughout the state. The day after my treatment, most of my COVID-19 symptoms were resolved and within a few days, I was back to normal with no symptoms. I experienced no side effects associated with Bamlanivimab treatment.

The interesting issue regarding this treatment is that there is low public awareness of its availability and a lack of knowledge of its breakthrough COVID-19 fighting attributes. My reason for this letter is to encourage our community to explore the benefits of this effective therapeutic in hopes of arresting symptoms early and resolving COVID-19 cases without the need for hospitalization.

I would like to thank Gov. Larry Hogan’s administration, the University of Maryland Medical System and the front-line healthcare providers at the Baltimore Infusion Center for providing me with this incredible treatment professionally administered at a highly efficient facility.

CHRISTOPHER McCLEARY Annapolis

Editor’s Note: Bamlanivimab is one of two monoclonal antibody mixes given an emergency use authorization by the Food and Drug Administration for a limited range of patients. They benefit high-risk people with mild to moderate symptoms who are not hospitalized, according to the county Health Department. Maryland is receiving limited amounts that are administered at sites across the state.