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Treating COVID with Monoclonal Antibodies

Now available in India, Casirivimab and Indevimab are monoclonal antibodies that are specifically directed against the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, designed to block the virus’ attachment and entry into human cells.

The treatment provides protection to COVID-19 positive patients with mild or moderate symptoms before their condition deteriorates or they require hospitalization. This single dose infusion-based treatment can be administered intravenously or subcutaneously on an outpatient basis in the hospital. Following the antibody infusion, the patient is kept under observation for a few hours to monitor for any side-effects after which the patient can return home to quarantine and must continue to strictly follow COVID-19 isolation protocols.

Who is Eligible for Monoclonal Antibody Therapy?

The monoclonal antibody therapy is most suited for high-risk COVID-19 patients who are within first 10 days of symptom onset and meet any of the following criteria:

• Age 65 years or older
• Obesity with BMI>35
• Type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus
• Chronic kidney disease, including those on dialysis
• Chronic liver disease
• Currently receiving immunosuppressive treatment
• Age>55 having either heart disease, or hypertension, or chronic lung disease High risk patients between the 12 – 17 years of age may also be eligible if they have any of the following conditions:
• BMI ≥85th percentile for their age and gender based on CDC growth charts
• Sickle cell disease, or congenital or acquired heart disease
• Neurodevelopmental disorders (e.g., cerebral palsy)
• Medical-related technological dependence, for example, tracheostomy, gastrostomy, or positive pressure ventilation (not related to COVID-19), asthma, reactive airway or other chronic respiratory disease that requires daily medication for control.