Who is eligible for monoclonal antibody treatments?

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DETROIT – Henry Ford Health System announced Thursday that it is partnering with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to increase access to monoclonal antibody treatments.

Related: How COVID cases in Michigan can help therapeutically

This includes opening a new infusion center at the CHASS Center and expanding infusion services at Henry Ford Hospitals in Detroit, Clinton Township and Henry Ford Allegiance in Jackson.

You do not have to be patient with Henry Ford to be treated at any of the sites, but you will need a referral from a doctor.

These medicines were available under an emergency use authorization at the end of 2020. Initially, supply was strictly controlled out of concern that there would be high demand. It seems that there are a lot of stocks and what we need is for patients and doctors to know when they can be used.

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Treatments include Bamlanivimab and Etesevimab from Eli Lilly and Company and another combined cocktail from Regeneron. These are monoclonal antibodies that – when administered as a single IV infusion – immediately provide protection to the antibodies against the spike protein on the surface of COVID-19.

Research into their effectiveness is what has guided the FDA in determining who can and cannot receive drugs.

Those hospitalized or in need of additional oxygen do not qualify for treatment with a monoclonal antibody.

To qualify for monoclonal antibody treatments, you must have at least one of the following high-risk conditions:

  • Obesity

  • Diabetes

  • Chronic kidney disease

  • Immunosuppressive disease

  • Over 65 years

People aged 55-65 with high blood pressure, heart or chronic lung disease are also eligible.

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It can also be given to children aged 12-17 who have other very specific medical conditions.

The bottom line is that if you have symptoms, test positive for COVID and meet any of these criteria, you should consult your doctor to be recommended for a monoclonal antibody treatment infusion.

These treatments are not a substitute for vaccination. The best thing for everyone is to avoid starting COVID and this can only happen with a vaccine. Monoclonal antibody treatments are only useful after you have become infected. Although they are helpful, even with treatment, many people will get worse.

More information about Henry Ford Health System’s monoclonal antibody therapy can be found on its official website here.

Here you can find an infusion site using the location tool of the National Infusion Center Association.

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