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Floyd Offering New Antibody Treatment to Fight COVID-19

November 17th, 2020 – 3:20 PM

Floyd Medical Center –

Floyd is testing a new therapy to fight COVID-19 that could possibly keep patients with mild to moderate cases from needing hospitalization:

Bamlanivimab is an antibody that was designed to halt the virus’ ability to replicate
inside the human body. The Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use
authorization for bamlanivimab earlier this month. The FDA uses its emergency use
authority to allow unapproved medical products to treat or prevent serious or life-
threatening diseases.

Preliminary results suggest bamlanivimab may cut hospitalization rates and emergency
room visits for patients with mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. It does not appear to
be an effective therapy for more serious patients already hospitalized, according to the
FDA.

Three outpatient candidates were administered the antibody Tuesday at Floyd Medical
Center. There is no time estimate on when their condition might improve.
Any patient 65 or older who meets the following criteria is eligible to receive
bamlanivimab:
• Is not hospitalized
• Has a mild to moderate case of COVID-19
• Weighs 88 pounds or more
• Started showing symptoms within 10 days of receiving the treatment
• Does not require additional oxygen

Patients between the ages of 12 and 64 must also meet the above requirements while
also exhibiting signs of any other serious conditions such as diabetes, obesity,
cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, COPD, asthma or sickle cell anemia.

“This can save lives,” said Dr. Ken Jones, Floyd’s Executive Vice President and Chief
Medical Officer. “We received 40 doses of bamlanivimab to use at this point and
immediately began identifying patients to benefit from the medication. Floyd has
committed to offering approved therapies such as convalescent plasma and remdesivir
as soon as approved for public use.”

The most common side effects include diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, itching and
headaches, although serious and unexpected reactions to the drug are possible.
Patients who might benefit from the intravenous infusions will be referred by Floyd
Primary Care or Floyd Urgent Care providers.