Monoclonal antibody infusion therapy for COVID-19

If you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are at high risk for developing severe COVID-19, you may be eligible for monoclonal antibody treatment, which might prevent you from becoming sicker.

What Are Monoclonal Antibodies?

Antibodies are part of our natural defense against viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. But they take time for the body to make. Antibodies designed to attack COVID-19 have been developed, and in several studies have been shown to reduce the risk of progressing to severe COVID-19 and hospitalization when given early to people who test positive for COVID-19. This therapy is given as an infusion through an IV at one of the UNC Health infusion centers.

Are You High Risk for Severe COVID-19 and Eligible?

The criteria for patients to be considered for Monoclonal Antibody infusion therapy are:

Test positive for SARS-CoV-2
Have at least mild symptoms for no more than seven days
Are age 65 plus or less than 65 but have a chronic health problem that puts you at risk for severe COVID-19. These include obesity, diabetes, lung disease, and heart disease, among others.

Monoclonal antibody therapy needs to be given as soon as possible after symptoms start to work—ideally within 4 days and no longer than seven days.

To find out if you are at high risk and eligible for COVID 19 Monoclonal Antibody infusion therapy, please call the UNC COVID Help Line at 888-850-2684, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., 7 days a week.

Providers outside of UNC Health can also call the Help Line for information about whether patients meet detailed criteria and can be referred to a UNC Health clinic for monoclonal antibody treatment. UNC Health providers should check the intranet resources for treatment criteria and referral information.