What about About Monoclonal Antibodies

[Lindaan]

For those of us who test negative for antibodies, should we consider trying to get an infusion of Monoclonal Antibodies.

Does anyone know how long such an infusion would last? If it is only good for a relatively short amount of time, could we have regular infusions, for example, every 4 or 6 months?

[Jacksc06]

Hi Lindaan. I do not know how long the infusion would last but personally feel that this treatment is our only way back to near normal life.

[johnl]

In the U.S. they are not approved to be used as a preventative measure or I would have already gotten them. John

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

Hi Lindaan, -

There are current clinical trials attempting to get FDA approval to use the monoclonals as a preventive alternative to vaccinations, and I assume that the expected duration will be included in the trial results. Since this will be a bio manufactured antibody it may behave like the human extracted IVIG antibodies & the duration may be similar (e.g. one month).

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If you are exposed to COVID you can get an infusion - but don't wait - contact your CLL expert and get the infusion - it is now being done under a EUA (Emergency Use Authorization)

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fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-a...

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FDA authorizes REGEN-COV monoclonal antibody therapy for post-exposure prophylaxis (prevention) for COVID-19

Prophylaxis with REGEN-COV is not a substitute for vaccination against COVID-19

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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today revised the emergency use authorization (EUA) for REGEN-COV (casirivimab and imdevimab, administered together) authorizing REGEN-COV for emergency use as post-exposure prophylaxis (prevention) for COVID-19 in adults and pediatric individuals (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg) who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death. REGEN-COV is not authorized for pre-exposure prophylaxis to prevent COVID-19 before being exposed to the SARS-CoV-2 virus -- only after exposure to the virus.

REGEN-COV also remains authorized for the treatment of mild-to-moderate COVID-19 in adults and pediatric patients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg) with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing, and who are at high risk for progression to severe COVID-19, including hospitalization or death.

Prophylaxis with REGEN-COV is not a substitute for vaccination against COVID-19. FDA has authorized three vaccines to prevent COVID-19 and serious clinical outcomes caused by COVID-19, including hospitalization and death. FDA urges you to get vaccinated, if you are eligible. Learn more about FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines.

REGEN-COV should only be used as post-exposure prophylaxis for individuals who are:

• not fully vaccinated or who 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

o have been exposed to an individual infected with SARS-CoV-2 consistent with close contact criteria per Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), or

o who are at high risk of exposure to an individual infected with SARS-CoV-2 because of occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in other individuals in the same institutional setting (for example, nursing homes or prisons)

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A good friend with MZL recently was exposed to COVID & her husband tested positive, but she tested negative, after a wedding they both attended. She then was given a monoclonal at Weill Cornell NY Presbyterian as a prophylactic.

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Len

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

If you are in U.S. here is a site with a number to call to find medical facilities with COViD Monoclonal Antibodies near you

combatcovid.hhs.gov/i-have-...

[wmay13241 in reply to cllady01]

Thanks cllady01 - I book marked this site just in case . . . .

[HeyWhat72]

I had my 3rd vaccine a month ago, had my 2nd antibodies lab test through LLS yesterday, I still show no antibodies. I have an appointment next week with my General Practitioner doctor to discuss a plan to put into place in case I get Covid. I want to make sure the doctor knows that I need REGEN-COV right away, even if I do not have a positive Covid test. I hope I can get through to my doctor, that this is serious.

[stevesmith1964]

It is my understanding that in the UK antibody infusions will only be given to immunocompromised patients with covid on admission to hospital. To me this seems logical as the cost is high, bit more importantly supply is limited, they are not easy to make.

[AnneHill in reply to stevesmith1964]

I have immunaglobulin 4 weekly infusions and I was given a letter saying the uk have not got enough stock. They are looking at making changes to patients treatment in order to avoid it running out. I imagine it will be difficult to get antibody treatments of any type.I was told that the immunaglobulin would contain covid antibodies by now. I was hoping they would help but I will have to wait to hear if my ivig will continue. Anne uk