Monoclonal Antibody Treatment at Crestwood Medical Center

8/23/2021

HUNTSVILLE, AL – August 23, 2021 – Crestwood Medical Center has administered almost 800 monoclonal antibody infusion treatments to patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and meet certain criteria.

Crestwood began offering this treatment in late 2020 after the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued emergency use authorization. For certain individuals recently diagnosed with COVID-19, monoclonal antibody therapy may help prevent hospitalization or worsening symptoms. The infusion consists of man-made antibodies that mirror the antibodies of patients that recovered from the COVID-19 virus. Research shows that this therapy may limit the amount of the virus in the body; therefore, helping symptoms improve sooner.

Crestwood has seen positive results in the patients treated with this infusion therapy. Pam Hudson, M.D., Crestwood chief executive officer said, “We have heard from many of our patients that they started feeling significantly better within 24-48 hours after treatment. I have no doubt that we have kept many, if not hundreds, from being admitted to the hospital. This is another tool in our toolbox and one we are grateful to have to serve our community. People experiencing symptoms or who have tested positive should inquire about this therapy through their primary care provider to determine if they meet the criteria for this treatment.”

Monoclonal antibody therapy is approved for patients who meet the following:

1. Have positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing and within 10 days of symptom onset
2. Have a physician order to receive the treatment
3. Greater than or equal to 65 years of age.
4. 12 years or older with one of the following comorbidities:
   • Obesity (BMI greater than or equal to 25)
   • Chronic kidney disease
   • Diabetes
   • History of immunosuppressive treatment, immunosuppressive disease, or immunosuppressive treatment
   • Pregnancy
   • Cardiovascular disease or hypertension
   • Chronic lung disease
   • Sickle cell disease
   • Neurodevelopmental disorders
   • Having a medical-related technological dependence (e.g., tracheostomy, gastrostomy)

Monoclonal antibody therapy can be provided for post-exposure prophylaxis use in patients who meet the following:

• 12 years or older who is at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death and:
  • Are not fully vaccinated, or
  • Are completely vaccinated and are not expected to mount an adequate immune response to complete SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (for example, people with immunocompromising conditions including those taking immunosuppressive medications) and
    • Have been exposed to an individual infected with SARS-CoV-2 consistent with close contact criteria per CDC or
    • Are at high risk of exposure to an individual infected with SARS-CoV-2 because of occurrence of COVID-19 infection in other individuals in the same setting/institution (e.g., same household, nursing homes, etc.)

All patients must be able to participate in care and follow-up post-infusion with their healthcare provider. Monoclonal antibody therapy cannot be provided to individuals who are already in the hospital because of COVID-19 symptoms, to anyone who requires oxygen therapy due to COVID-19, or those on chronic oxygen therapy due to underlying non-COVID-19 related issues.

Crestwood Medical Center is currently administering this one-time treatment Monday through Friday. A physician order is required and the team will contact the patient to schedule an appointment. People without a primary care physician and are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms and need to be seen should visit the Crestwood Respiratory & Flu Clinic located at 700 Airport Road, Suite D. The clinic is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome.

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