USA Health offering monoclonal infusion treatment for high-risk COVID-19 patients
The infusion is an injection of antibodies to help patients fight off COVID-19.
To help ease severe symptoms for patients with COVID-19, USA Health offers monoclonal infusions for those who test positive for the novel coronavirus and are at a heightened risk for complications. Same day appointments are usually available.
The infusion is an injection of antibodies to help patients fight off the virus. So far, nearly 100 patients have been treated at the 1720 Infusion Center, located at 1720 Center Street in front of USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Mobile.
To refer a patient or schedule an appointment, healthcare providers can call 251-410-4764.
“We are pleased to offer this resource to help those patients most at risk for severe complications and from becoming more ill from COVID-19,” said Rusty Ross, M.D., who oversees the infusion center for USA Health. “Patients feel so much better after the treatment they have been sending thank-you cards and delivering treats to our staff.”
Candidates for the monoclonal infusion include those who are age 65 and older, have high blood pressure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and other health conditions connected to negative outcomes following a COVID diagnosis. Appointments for the infusion typically last between two and three hours.
In November 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for casirivimab and imdevimab to be administered together for the treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 in adults and children age 12 or older with positive results who are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19.
In a clinical trial of patients with COVID-19, casirivimab and imdevimab administered together were shown to reduce COVID-19-related hospitalizations or emergency room visits in patients at high risk for disease progression within 28 days after treatment when compared to receiving a placebo. The safety and effectiveness of this investigational therapy for use in the treatment of COVID-19 continues to be evaluated.
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses. Casirivimab and imdevimab are monoclonal antibodies specifically directed against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and designed to block the virus’ attachment and entry into human cells.
