Monoclonal Antibody Treatment

Ashley Regional Medical Center is proud to offer bamlanivimab therapy, a new monoclonal antibody treatment for eligible positive COVID-19 patients.

What is Bamlanivab or monoclonal antibody treatment?
Bamlanivimab is a monoclonal antibody treatment developed by pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly to help treat non-hospitalized patients with a mild or moderate case of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2). Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system's ability to fight off harmful viruses. This therapy is designed to help block the COVID-19 virus and prevent the virus from further infecting healthy cells.

Bamlanivimab may be used as a single therapy for treating patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. 

Who is a candidate for monoclonal antibody treatment?

Adults and adolescents 12 years of age or older with mild to moderate symptoms who weigh 88 pounds (40 kg) or more, and who are at high risk for developing severe COVID-19 symptoms or the need for hospitalization.

Patients must meet specific clinical criteria including:

• Lab-confirmed COVID positive test
• Stable enough to not require hospitalization
• Be within 10 days of symptoms onset

As with any treatment, the patient should be a candidate for monoclonal antibody treatment based on specific clinical criteria outlined above, as well as the referring provider’s clinical recommendation.

Who is high risk?

High risk is defined as patients who meet at least one of the following criteria:

17. Are ≥ 65 years of age
17. Are ≥ 55 years of age AND have
    • Cardiovascular disease, OR
    • Hypertension, OR
    • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/other chronic respiratory disease.
17. Have a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 35
17. Have chronic kidney disease
17. Have diabetes
17. Have immunosuppressive disease
17. Are currently receiving immunosuppressive treatment

Who is not a candidate for this treatment?

This treatment will not be considered for patients currently hospitalized due to COVID-19, require oxygen therapy for COVID-19, and/or have a known hypersensitivity to bamlanivimab.

How do I qualify for this treatment?

This therapy requires an order from a healthcare provider.

You may:

1. Contact your primary care physician (PCP) to make an appointment, OR
2. To schedule a virtual visit from the comfort of your home.

What should I expect?

Your physician’s office will provide steps on how and where you will be receiving your treatment. Treatment is administered intravenously (using IV therapy). Patients receiving treatment at Ashley Regional Medical Center will be required to stay for a duration of 2 hours.