Monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19

Monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19

Dear Health Care Providers,

Treatment options for COVID-19 have advanced and we now have more tools –including monoclonal antibodies— to prevent hospitalization and death. Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins used to fight active COVID-19 infections. They provide protection when a person’s immune system cannot or has not had time to respond, neutralizing or killing SARS-CoV-2. Here’s what you need to know:

• A growing body of research has shown that monoclonal antibody treatments can prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.
• The treatments are now easier to administer because they can be given subcutaneously, not only through an IV infusion.
• The National Institutes of Health and the Infectious Disease Society of America both recommend monoclonal antibodies as part of their COVID-19 treatment guidelines.
• Providers should consider using monoclonal antibodies to treat anyone who meets eligibility criteria and is at risk of developing severe COVID-19 illness.

For more information, contact Ezra.Stark@doh.wa.gov or see our guidance for the use of monoclonal antibody products to treat COVID-19.

Bob Lutz, MD, MPH
Medical Advisor, COVID-19

Read more details in the attached Monoclonal Antibodies Provider Letter.

• Monoclonal Antibodies Provider Letter Final.pdf