Newman Regional Health is starting a new way to treat certain coronavirus patients this week.
The hospital will start treating non-hospitalized patients with what’s called a monoclonal antibody infusion drug from Eli Lilly and Company. Eli Lilly received emergency use authorization for bamlanivimab, which has been shown to reduce hospitalizations or emergency room visits in patients at high risk for “disease progression.” It is currently approved for use in patients within 10 days of symptoms, patients at high risk for moving to severe symptoms, patients 12 years and up weighing at least 88 pounds, patients 65 years or older and patients with certain chronic medical conditions. T
he hospital’s supply from the US Department of Health and Human Services is currently for patients at increased risk for severe illness.
Doses will be administered starting Thursday. Patients will be slated for one-time infusions between 2-6 pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
