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COVID-19 antibody therapy to be distributed across Texas Monday, Abbott says

This photo provided by Eli Lilly shows the drug Bamlanivimab. On Monday, Nov. 9, 2020, the Food and Drug Administration cleared emergency use of Bamlanivimab, the first antibody drug to help the immune system fight COVID-19. The drug is for people 12 and older with mild or moderate COVID-19 not requiring hospitalization. (Courtesy of Eli Lilly via AP) (Uncredited, Eli Lilly)

HOUSTON – Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said a COVID-19 antibody therapy will be distributed to hospitals Monday.

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Abbott said Friday that the Texas Department of State Health Services will distribute the therapy -- called Bamlanivimab -- to hospitals across Texas. The therapy is an Eli Lilly & Company monoclonal antibody therapy. It will be distributed to acute care hospitals across the state, according to Abbott’s office.

Bamlanivimab is for outpatient use in people who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are at increased risk of severe disease. It has been shown to prevent hospitalizations in some patients when used before they become very sick.

These weekly shipments of doses have been provided to the state at no cost through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, according to Abbott’s office.

Abbott’s office said DSHS will allocate this initial distribution of Bamlanivimab based on three criteria: new confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the community, new lab-confirmed COVID-19 admissions to hospitals, and total lab-confirmed COVID-19 patients in hospitals.

“This initial allotment of Bamlanivimab will help health care professionals effectively treat cases of COVID-19 within their communities and aid in reducing hospitalizations,” Abbott is quoted as saying in a news release. “I thank the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for providing Texas with this crucial antibody therapy that will help keep Texans safe and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”


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