A Message from NCTracks on Behalf of NC Medicaid Important Message from NCDHHS Regarding the Use of Monoclonal Antibodies for Treatment of COVID-19

Since November, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for three monoclonal antibody therapies for treatment of COVID-19 in certain high-risk individuals. Bamlanivimab, bamlanivimab/etesevimab and casirivimab/imdevimab are monoclonal antibody therapies that work directly to neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the body and may decrease the incidence of emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations in patients at greatest risk for progression to severe disease. Under the EUA, eligible patients include adult and pediatric outpatients (12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kg) with mild to moderate COVID-19, considered to be at high-risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization due to age, elevated BMI, or specified chronic conditions. Full definitions of who is considered high-risk can be found in the EUA documentation for each product linked above. Administered as a single IV infusion, followed by one hour of observation, these monoclonal antibody therapies should be administered as soon as possible following a positive COVID test result and within 10 days of symptom onset.

Monoclonal antibody therapies are currently being provided by the federal government to providers at no cost. Interested providers should thoroughly read the EUA documents linked above. Providers capable of meeting all the EUA requirements can order COVID-19 monoclonal antibodies directly from AmerisourceBergen by completing this order form. Please note that due to updated information regarding SARS-CoV-2 variants and the effectiveness of monoclonal antibodies against those variants, the federal government is no longer distributing bamlanivimab. Providers should instead consider the alternative combination products bamlanivimab/etesevimab and casirivimab/imdevimab that remain effective against variants and available for distribution.

Providers not capable of administering monoclonal antibodies are encouraged to work with existing infusion locations in their area to refer patients for treatment when appropriate. To find providers in NC currently administering monoclonal antibodies, please use this COVID-19 Infusion Center Locator Tool provided courtesy of the National Infusion Center Association (NICA).

For additional information please see NC DHHS’ Interim Guidance for the use of Monoclonal Antibodies for the Treatment of COVID-19.