Gov. Cox endorses monoclonal antibodies despite high cost

A Monoclonal Antibody Infusion Center in Murray. Photo: Gov. Spencer Cox

SALT LAKE CITY — Last week, the Utah Department of Health announced the opening of a Monoclonal Antibody Infusion Center at an Intermountain Healthcare campus in Murray.

The temporary facility can serve up to 50 patients per day.

The World Health Organization recently endorsed the use of monoclonal antibodies for COVID-19 patients that are at a high risk of being hospitalized.

The New York Times described the treatment as “a year-old, laboratory-created drug no less experimental than the vaccine.” The federal government is covering the cost — roughly $2,100 per dose (Covid vaccines are about $20) — and the distribution now that demand is growing. There were 168,000 doses ordered nationally in August, compared to 27,000 in July.

“Monoclonal antibody treatments are another tool in the toolbox to keep people out of the hospital, and as a state, we are working to administer every available dose to those who need it. The antibody infusion has proven to be effective, but it can only be administered after a high-risk person has tested positive for the virus,” said Gov. Spencer Cox in a statement. “The vaccines remain the best way to prevent someone from being hospitalized because of COVID-19. Around 90 percent of people who are hospitalized with COVID-19 have not been vaccinated.”

The move comes as 64.6 percent of all Utahns 18 years and older are fully vaccinated.

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, 9.9 percent of Utahns 18 years and older are reportedly hesitant about receiving a Covid vaccine.

The top three reasons for that particular population are:

• Concerned about the side effects
• Don’t believe I need a vaccine
• Don’t trust COVID-19 vaccines

Utah has typically been allocated 1,330 monoclonal antibody doses a week. Treatment time takes about 2 hours, including registration, preparation, infusion, and 1 hour of monitoring afterward.

The governor’s office said that approximately 7,100 Utahns have received the treatment since November.

Eligibility for monoclonal antibodies includes:

• Testing positive for COVID-19.
• Not currently hospitalized for COVID-19.
• Doctor referral.
• No more than 7 days from symptom onset.
• High risk for hospitalization (using the risk score calculator tab on coronavirus.utah.gov/noveltherapeutics)

More information about monoclonal antibodies is available from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.