Monoclonal Antibody Treatments Available in Saskatchewan for COVID-19 Patients

Some patients with COVID-19 are now eligible for monoclonal antibody treatments, according to the province of Saskatchewan.

The province stated that they will be available beginning today to treat "clinically appropriate patients" that have contracted COVID-19, with the treatment aimed at "preventing unvaccinated or severely immunosuppressed residents who have contracted COVID-19 from requiring hospitalization."

The antibodies can be used in early treatment for mild to moderate cases in unvaccinated patients deemed at risk of COVID progressing to severe illness.

The antibodies, or proteins, are laboratory-made and are intended to provide an initial immune response for those without prior antibodies. The province also said it may be useful in preventing severe illness in people with weakened immune systems that might not have developed a "robust response" to COVID vaccines. The province says the treatment's effectiveness is limited to the "very early phase of infection."

The treating clinician will make the decision to prescribe the antibodies. The following requirements must be met.

• COVID-19 patients who have not been vaccinated; and certain immunocompromised or immunosuppressed COVID-19 patients regardless of vaccination status;
• Within five days of becoming symptomatic; and
• 55 years or older, or 18 years and older with specific high risk co-morbidity.

The antibodies are administered through a one-time intravenous treatment. They'll be available in Saskatoon and Regina. 

"Initially, eligible patients will be identified through the case investigation process," said the release. "Beginning November 1, people who test positive for COVID-19 can self-assess their eligibility for monoclonal antibodies by visiting Saskatchewan.ca/covid-19.  If eligible, they will be directed on next steps for booking a further assessment. The final decision to prescribe monoclonal antibodies will be made by clinicians."