Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Overview

Written by Leslie K. Hughes

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been no treatments that have shown much promise in helping to treat the virus. 

The introduction of the COVID-19 vaccine and now the boosters have shown some promise in helping to reduce people’s chances of getting COVID, as well as helping to lessen the symptoms if the virus is in fact contracted. 

However, there is something else emerging on the scene that is starting to gain popularity.

And that is monoclonal antibody therapy. 

What is monoclonal antibody therapy?

This type of therapy involves injecting a COVID-19-positive person with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). These antibodies are proteins made in the lab that mimic the body’s natural response to the virus. Their purpose is to neutralize the virus and stop it from progressing. They do this by targeting COVID-19 proteins in the body and stopping them from entering cells. 

Is this type of treatment FDA-approved?

The first monoclonal antibody treatment for COVID-19 was authorized for emergency use by the FDA in November 2020.

Studies show that “in a clinical trial of patients with COVID-19, casirivimab and imdevimab, administered together, were shown to reduce COVID-19-related hospitalization or emergency room visits in patients at high risk for disease progression with 28 days after treatment when compared to placebo.”

Who is this treatment for?

Monoclonal antibody treatment is for people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and who are at risk of the virus progressing to a severe case. 

However, this treatment is not authorized for patients who have already been hospitalized due to COVID-19, nor is it authorized for patients who require oxygen therapy due to coronavirus.

You should get the treatment before this in the hopes that it stops the virus from getting to a place where oxygen therapy and hospitalization are necessary. 

High-risk individuals should also consider an mAB infusion. “High risk” refers to the following groups of people:

• Overweight or obese

• Pregnant

• Immunocompromised

• Diabetic

• Have chronic kidney disease

• Have cardiovascular disease

In many states, priority for this treatment option is given to unvaccinated individuals.

How is monoclonal antibody treatment administered?

This treatment is typically given by an IV infusion, which takes about 30 minutes. 

How soon after getting COVID-19 should I get monoclonal antibody treatment?

The sooner the better. The earlier this treatment is administered, the better the chances of the symptoms remaining minimal and not progressing into something more severe. 

Is monoclonal antibody treatment effective in the long-term?

Studies are still taking a look at this, but at this point in time, it appears as if you would need to get this treatment every time you became infected with COVID-19.