Covid Plasma Initiative’s lifesaving efforts have expanded to include the facilitation of a newly available, potentially life-saving antibody treatment referred to as monoclonal antibodies.
CPI’s plasma collection drives have made headlines nationwide and have helped countless patients hospitalized with severe COVID-19 symptoms. Now they are educating the public on the availability of a quick and easy outpatient treatment which thus far seems to be helping people avoid hospitalizations altogether.
The treatment is an infusion of lab manufactured, concentrated antibodies, similar to the antibodies present in convalescent plasma. It is the treatment given to President Trump and Governor Christie. As of last week, it is available to the public.
Dr. Yosef Levenbrown is a Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Specialist at Dupont Hospital and the Medical Director of CPI (Advisory Role). He explains that the data from this double-blind randomized control trial showed that monoclonal antibodies can potentially reduce hospitalization significantly and decrease symptom severity.
Dr Jeffrey Bander of Mt. Sinai Hospital states, “We’ve seen great efficacy with these drugs. As the sole outpatient treatment, monoclonal antibodies have the potential to prevent an otherwise at-risk patient from being hospitalized and keep beds available for the critically ill.”
“It’s a miracle drug,” shares Mr. Yehudah Serle (brother of Mordy Serle, one of CPI’s founders), who just recently tested positive for COVID-19 and received monoclonal antibodies. “One day I wasn’t feeling too good. I got the treatment and the next day, b’chasdei Hashem, I was feeling much better.”
Monoclonal antibody treatment can be accessed by anyone who tests positive (via PCR test, not rapid) and is considered “at risk.” A person is defined as “at risk” if they have one of the following factors: diabetes, obesity, immunosuppressed, over 65, or over 55 with hypertension. Other factors will qualify as well.
The FDA advises that monoclonal antibody treatment start as soon as possible after a positive test, preferably within 24 hours and no later than 10 days after symptom onset. It is therefore imperative to take a COVID test right away if you have symptoms or were exposed. Contact your doctor immediately to discuss whether this treatment is appropriate for you and if so, to arrange treatment.
Hospitals currently providing monoclonal antibodies include: Mt Sinai (NYC), Maimonides (Brooklyn), Northwell (LI and SI), Good Samaritan (Rockland), and Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus (NJ). (Please note that not all hospitals on this list are similarly recommended for COVD-19 inpatient care.)
Important Reminder:
COVID-19 can cause “silent hypoxia,” an undetected drop in oxygen levels. A pulse oximeter is simple to use and identifies low oxygen levels before they become dangerous. Consult with a medical professional if levels drop below 95.
If you need to be hospitalized, do not “wait and see.” Choose a hospital with up-to-date treatments: plasma, steroids, blood thinners, etc. CPI currently recommends Mt Sinai Hospital.
For more information: www.plasmaheroes.com