NMMC-West Point Starts Monoclonal Antibodies for COVID-19 Patients

Registered nurses Ashley Pollard and Brenda Pennington administer monoclonal antibodies to COVID-19 positive patients who are at high risk of getting severely ill.

WEST POINT, Miss.—North Mississippi Medical Center-West Point started giving monoclonal antibodies this week to COVID-19 positive patients who are at high risk of getting severely ill.

This infusion has been given emergency clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for some patients with COVID-19. Research shows that for certain people, taking Bamlanivimab or Casirivimab/Imdevimab may help limit the amount of virus in the body.

“For someone with underlying health conditions, such as asthma or heart disease, this infusion could mean the difference between a moderate case and a severe case that would require hospitalization,” said Pam White, RN, chief nursing officer at NMMC-West Point. “We’re trying to help lessen the blow from COVID-19 and keep patients out of the hospital.”

This one-time treatment is given through an IV and lasts about an hour. Individuals are asked to stay an hour afterward for monitoring. Treatment with monoclonal antibodies is currently very limited—individuals must meet criteria set forth by the FDA and the hospital, and it must be prescribed by the person’s health care provider.

NMMC-West Point will begin by offering monoclonal antibody treatment two afternoons each week with the ability to expand if needed. The treatment is also available at North Mississippi Health Services hospitals in Tupelo, Amory and Iuka.