AGH One of Six Treatment Sites for Monoclonal Antibody Therapy

Atlantic General Hospital announced today it is one of the first six treatment sites within the state of Maryland to offer the monoclonal antibody therapeutic bamlanivimab for high risk patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 infection.

Bamlanivimab is an infusion therapy granted emergency use authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treatment of individuals with COVID-19 before severe symptoms occur, to reduce the chances of the infection worsening and requiring hospitalization.

Due to the limited doses available nationwide, treatment is only offered for adults and children ages 12 and older at greatest risk of progressing to severe COVID-19, based upon specific criteria established by the FDA.

These criteria include being over the age of 65, having an underlying chronic condition like diabetes or severe obesity, and/or having a compromised immune system. The comprehensive FDA criteria can be found here.

Bamlanivimab should be administered as soon as possible after a positive COVID-19 test, as it is most beneficial when given early in symptom progression. It is administered via a single intravenous infusion and mimics immune system antibodies that block viruses.

Not all individuals who test positive for COVID-19 are recommended to receive bamlanivimab. Bamlanivimab infusion is provided through physician referral only, after it is determined that a patient is a good candidate and at high risk of severe onset.

Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms should contact their primary care provider or visit the Atlantic ImmediCare clinic in Ocean Cityfor testing and referral.