Virtua Health said Jan. 6 that it is now providing a treatment for COVID-19 known as monoclonal antibodies. The medication, called bamlanivimab, helps non-hospitalized, high-risk patients with mild to moderate COVID-19.
Virtua has provided this service to nearly 100 individuals since early December 2020.
“We’re very proud to be among the first in our region to offer this exciting new therapy,” said Dr. John Matsinger, executive vice president and chief operating officer for Virtua Health.
“Early studies suggest that bamlanivimab may resolve symptoms more quickly and possibly reduce the progression of disease and associated hospitalizations. Further studies are ongoing regarding its use and effectiveness, but we are glad to have this treatment option as part of our larger toolkit for caring for those with COVID-19.”
Those eligible for bamlanivimab include people who are not hospitalized and have mild to moderate COVID-19, plus one or more risk factors such as BMI (body mass index) of 35 or higher, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, immunosuppressive disease or receiving immunosuppressive treatment, age 65 or older, or age 55 or older with certain chronic conditions.
Monoclonal antibodies are lab-made proteins that mimic the immune system’s response. Bamlanivimab is specifically designed to block the new COVID-19’s entry into human cells.
