Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Improving Outcomes for High-Risk COVID Patients

“For the first time in weeks, we’re starting to see the numbers moving in the right direction,” said Donald H. Lloyd, II, SCH President/CEO.

UK St. Claire reported an alarming daily high of 49 hospitalized COVID-19 patients during September but today, that number has been cut in half.

According to Will Melahn, MD, SCH Chief Medical Officer, the availability of monoclonal antibody therapies like REGEN-COV™ is playing a significant role in lowering hospitalization rates.

“Basically, your immune system gets a boost from these antibodies so your body can more effectively fight off the COVID virus,” Dr. Melahn said. “This treatment is very effective and significantly improves COVID symptoms for most patients which reduces the risk of serious complications and hospitalization.”

As the demand for monoclonal antibody therapy has increased with the surge of the Delta variant, supplies have become limited. In response to a national shortage, Governor Andy Beshear implemented a new allocation strategy earlier this month that distributes the medication to approximately 50 Regional COVID-19 Antibody Administration Centers (CAAC) across the Commonwealth.

“We’re honored that Gov. Beshear selected UK St. Claire as a Regional COVID-19 Antibody Administration Center,” said Lloyd. “We appreciate his leadership throughout the pandemic and his confidence in our team to be able to effectively and effectively administer this much-needed treatment to patients throughout the region.”

SCH has already administered nearly 300 doses of REGEN-COV™ and the demand continues to grow.

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 and are at high risk for complications, you can request monoclonal antibody therapy by completing an online questionnaire at www.st-claire.org/regen-cov or by calling 606.783.7539.

“Having access to effective therapeutics like REGEN-COV™ is helping us keep COVID patients out of the hospital, but it’s no substitute for vaccination,” Dr. Melahn added. “Getting vaccinated is still the best line of defense against COVID-19.”

The Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccines are available at SCH to anyone age 12 or older. To schedule an appointment for yourself or your child, call 606.783.7539.