REGEN-COV, a monoclonal antibody treatmentis now available for those who test positive and are deemed eligible and referred by a provider, the Guam Department of Public Health announced.
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic your immune system’s ability to fight off harmful viruses. Casirivimab + imdevimab are monoclonal antibodies that are specifically designed to protect against the spike protein of the coronavirus.
These proteins are designed to stop the virus from entering the human cells and may prevent hospitalizations by 70%.
In November 2020, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued an Emergency Use Authorization to allow the use of monoclonal antibodies for the treatment of mild to moderate symptoms of Covid-19 in adults and pediatric patients.
To receive the treatment you must have a positive COVID-19 test AND be referred by your doctor.
Referrals may be given if the candidate is:
Age 65 or older and weigh at least 80 lbs. or more; or
Told by your doctor that you are at high risk of a serious case of COVID-19; or
Age 12 or older and weigh at least 80 lbs. or more and has any of the following:
chronic kidney disease
heart or lung disease
BMI of 25 or greater
pregnancy
diabetes
immunosuppressive disease
Medical experts said monoclonal antibody treatment is not intended as a replacement for getting vaccinated.
These medications are not approved for use in patents who are hospitalized due to COVID-19 or require oxygen therapy. Benefits of treatment have not been observed in patients hospitalized due to Covid-19.
Monoclonal antibodies may be associated with worse clinical outcomes when given to patients with COVID-19 requiring oxygen ventilation.
Ways to receive mAb:
1. Via the Tiyan testing site. If you test positive for Covid-19 and are deemed eligible, a referral will be made on-site and you may proceed to treatment.
2. Via your private doctor. If you test positive for COVID-19 and are deemed eligible, your doctor will coordinate for your referral to receive treatment.
Subscribe to
our digital
monthly edition