(Courtesy of CPI) Covid Plasma Initiative’s lifesaving efforts have expanded to include the facilitation of a newly available, potentially lifesaving antibody treatment referred to as monoclonal antibodies.
CPI’s plasma collection drives have made headlines nationwide and have helped countless patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 symptoms. Now CPI is educating the public on the availability of a quick and easy outpatient treatment which thus far seems to be helping people avoid hospitalizations altogether.
The treatment is an infusion of lab-manufactured, concentrated antibodies, similar to the antibodies present in convalescent plasma. It is the treatment given to President Donald Trump and Governor Chris Christie. As of last week, it is available to the public.
Dr. Yosef Levenbrown is a pediatric critical care medicine specialist at Dupont Hospital and the medical director of CPI (advisory role). He explained that the data from a double-blind randomized control trial showed that monoclonal antibodies can potentially reduce hospitalization significantly and decrease symptom severity.
Dr. Jeffrey Bander of Mount Sinai Health System stated, “We’ve seen great efficacy with these drugs. As the sole outpatient treatment, monoclonal antibodies have the potential to prevent an otherwise at-risk patient from being hospitalized and keeps beds available for the critically ill.”
“It’s a miracle drug,” said Yehudah Serle (brother of Mordy Serle one of CPI’s founders), who recently tested positive for COVID-19 and received monoclonal antibodies. “One day I wasn’t feeling too good. I got the treatment and the next day, b’chasdei Hashem, I was feeling much better.”
Monoclonal antibody treatment can be accessed by anyone who tests positive (via PCR test, NOT rapid) and is considered “at risk.” A person is defined as at risk if they have one of the following factors: diabetes, obesity, immunosuppressed, over 65, or over 55 with hypertension. Other factors will qualify as well.
The FDA advises that monoclonal antibody treatment start as soon as possible after a positive test, preferably within 24 hours and no later than 10 days after symptom onset. It is therefore imperative to take a COVID test right away if you have symptoms or were exposed. Contact your doctor immediately to discuss whether this treatment is appropriate for you and if so, to arrange treatment.
Hospitals currently providing monoclonal antibodies include: Mount Sinai (New York), Maimonides (Brooklyn), Northwell (Long Island and Staten Island), Good Samaritan (Rockland), Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus (New Jersey). (Please note that not all hospitals on this list are similarly recommended for COVID-19 inpatient care).
IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
COVID-19 can cause “silent hypoxia,” an undetected drop in oxygen levels. A pulse oximeter is simple to use and identifies low oxygen levels before they become dangerous. Consult with a medical professional if levels drop below 95.
If you need to be hospitalized do not “wait and see.” Choose a hospital with up-to-date treatments: plasma, steroids, blood thinners, etc. CPI currently recommends Mount Sinai Health System.
For more information, visit www.plasmaheroes.com
