Two new antibody treatments have promised to keep high-risk Covid-19 patients out of the hospital.
But despite publicity incentives from President Trump, who received Regeneron treatment in October and praised it as a “cure,” the drug has not been widely used since it was authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration last month.
Now, federal and state health officials are urging patients and doctors to seek treatment.
Here’s what you need to know.
What are monoclonal antibodies?
The two treatments by Ally Lilly and Regeneran are the first drugs developed specifically for covid- that have been authorized by the FDA. It contains artificially synthesized copies of antibodies that people produce naturally while their immune system fights infection. Eli Lilly’s medicine contains an antibody. Regeneron is a beanie cocktail.
Preliminary data have shown that they can prevent hospitalization in people at high risk for serious complications of the disease. Clinical trials are ongoing. It is believed that the treatment will work by helping to stop the virus immediately after infection.
Who helps with the treatment?
Treatment can be given to anyone who has tested positive for coronavirus, has a high risk of developing a severe form of the disease, and is within 10 days of the first developing symptoms.
This includes people who are at least 65 years old and who are obese or have medical conditions such as diabetes.
Treatment is not valid for people who have already been hospitalized, or who need oxygen, as studies from these groups have not shown that medications work well.
How much do they cost?
Under each company’s deal with the federal government, the dose will be free, although some patients, depending on their insurance cover, may pay to administer the medication, which must be poured in by a health care provider.
Is this treatment widely available?
Monoclonal antibody treatment is difficult and time consuming to produce, which has limited the number of doses produced by drug manufacturers.
The federal government has purchased 950,000 doses from Eli Lilly and 300,000 doses from Regeneron. Drug companies have already delivered hundreds of thousands of doses, with the rest expected by the end of January.
How many people have received treatment?
No one knows, but many of the doses distributed so far have become unusable and are sitting in the hospital refrigerator.
While the federal government handles about 532,000 doses of both drugs and about 291,000 doses have been sent, neither the government nor the drug companies have complete data on how much of them have been given to patients.
According to the Department of Health and Human Services, hospitals that report data to the government on the number of doses administered use an average of only 20 percent of their supply.
Why are only a few patients getting them?
The drug is being used unevenly across the country. Some hospitals cannot get adequate doses. Others haven’t used much of what they’ve gotten so far.
Various factors have contributed to the abstraction: hospitals are overwhelmed with the virus and focus on giving the first vaccine. And they must find space in their crowded facilities where they are treated for several hours without spreading the virus to others.
Some patients are reluctant to venture out for treatment, as they do not go to the clinic when they feel sick, they do not have transportation, or they believe medications are only available for better convenience. Connected people. And the very lack of treatment is contributing to their vulnerability, as some hospitals hold back supplies for fear of being exhausted.
How do I get them?
There is not a single hotline or website to find a provider treating patients.
Many health systems have identified ways to identify and contact eligible patients who test positive for coronavirus at test sites or doctor’s office fees. But these referral systems vary from community to community.
Ally Lily’s support hotline for her treatment is 1-855-545-5921. A Regeneron spokesman recommended that patients or doctors reach out to their state health department.
Dr. Daniel, Chief Scientific Officer of Ally Lilly. Daniel Schwronsky said he advises friends and family members to call the company’s hotline. “If you stay consistent and you deserve it, you’ll get it,” he said.
