In response to the continued spikes of cases and deaths from COVID-19 across the U.S., Midland Health has made an experimental new treatment available for high-risk coronavirus patients.
The pandemic has continued to surge throughout the country, with almost 19 million cases and more than 330,000 COVID-19 related deaths to date. The figures are as concerning on state and local levels as well. Texas has recorded more than 1.6 million cases and approximately 27,000 deaths.
As vaccines have yet to become widely available, medical professionals continue to search for various treatments to address the causes and effects of the virus.
Midland Health received approval for the distribution of an antibody treatment in COVID-19 patients known as Bamlanimivimab, the company said in a December release. The medication is intended to reduce the severity of symptoms within newly diagnosed patients who are within the at-risk demographics for the virus. To be considered for the new treatment, candidates must meet a variety of criteria to be approved.
Regarding diagnosis, candidates for Bamlanimivimab must have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 72 hours. Candidates must also not be asymptomatic carriers of the virus and cannot display symptoms for more than four days before receiving the medication.
For at-risk demographic information, candidates considered for the treatment must have one of the following conditions: obesity or a BMI greater than 35, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or an immunosuppressive disease (or be receiving an immunosuppressive treatment). Patients over the age of 65 may also be considered if they have a history of chronic respiratory disease (like COPD), hypertension, or cardiovascular disease.
Lastly, medical professionals will administer the medication to outpatients only. Hospitalized individuals or those who are increasingly oxygen-dependent since contracting COVID-19 are not eligible. To receive treatment, one must have approval from their medical provider- if you believe you meet the criteria for this medication, please contact your provider.