What is Monoclonal Antibody Therapy
Monoclonal antibody therapy is a form of immunotherapy that uses monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to bind monospecifically to certain cells or proteins. The objective is that this treatment will stimulate the patient’s immune system to attack those cells. Alternatively, in radioimmunotherapy a radioactive dose localizes a target cell line, delivering lethal chemical doses. More recently antibodies have been used to bind to molecules involved in T-cell regulation to remove inhibitory pathways that block T-cell responses. This is known as immune checkpoint therapy.
It is possible to create a mAb that is specific to almost any extracellular/cell surface target. Research and development is underway to create antibodies for diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, Ebola and different types of cancers).
How does monoclonal antibody treatment work?
After entering your body, monoclonal antibodies look for and attach to the spike protein that sticks out of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19.
When monoclonal antibodies attach to the spike protein, they can block the virus’s ability to enter cells — and slow down the infection.
In 2020, the FDA authorized several different monoclonal antibodies to treat COVID-19.
How effective are monoclonal antibodies?
According to a study from the New England Journal of Medicine, early clinical data show that monoclonal antibodies can successfully reduce COVID-19 hospitalization rates. Clinical trials have shown that these treatments can decrease hospitalizations and emergency department visits. They can also reduce the amount of virus found in an infected person’s blood.
An analysis by 24Medica of those who received monoclonal antibodies found the treatment has significantly cut the risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19.
What to Expect During Monoclonal Antibody Treatment
Monoclonal antibodies is a treatment given in an outpatient clinic through an IV/needle in your arm or it may be several shots given during one visit, that should help to keep your symptoms from getting worse.
Research studies show that it should be effective at preventing COVID-19 symptoms from becoming severe and that patients who receive the treatment are less likely to get sicker leading to an Emergency Department visit or needing to be admitted to the hospital.
The IV infusion involves placing a needle in a vein and slowly sending the medicine through the IV and into the body. The infusion takes about 30 minutes.
The injections involve giving four shots, each one in a different location (arms, thighs, stomach,) during one office visit. The injections take about five to 10 minutes to give. After the IV is removed medicine is given, patients must wait at least 30 minutes so health care workers can watch for side effects. Patients should expect the entire visit to take anywhere from one to two hours.
