Antibody Treatment – COVID-19 Positive Patients

What is monoclonal antibody treatment?

Monoclonal antibody treatment is a medicine used to treat COVID-positive individuals who are symptomatic and have certain medical conditions that may result in a higher risk of hospitalization.

Patients must be referred by a licensed health care provider to be considered for antibody therapy. Due to limited supplies of the specific antibody therapy effective against the rapidly spreading omicron variant, all referrals will be screened to ensure the therapy is used for those individuals at highest risk.

Graphic of regen-cov

Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of Sotrovimab
Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of REGEN-COV®
Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) of Bamlanivimab and Etesevimab

Are You Eligible?

To be a potential candidate for this treatment:

  1. You must have tested POSITIVE for COVID-19 in a test taken or verified in a lab (home test results are not acceptable). You will need to bring/show a dated copy of your positive test result showing your name.
  2. You must be showing symptoms.
  3. You must be between 2 and 8 days from first symptoms to receive Monoclonal antibody therapy. You are not a candidate for this treatment if it’s been more than 10 days since you’ve tested positive or started feeling symptoms.
  4. You must be 65 years or older
  5. If you are between the ages of 12-64 years, and have qualifying medical conditions, you may be considered.

NIH: Statement on Patient Prioritization for Outpatient Therapies

Antibody therapy effective against the omicron variant is currently in limited supply. A referral from a licensed health care provider is necessary to be considered for the therapy. If you meet the clinical criteria, your provider can call our physician line at 281-316-8239 to inquire about a referral.

Important Information

 What You Need to Know

  • You will need to show a copy of your lab-performed test results, showing your name and date of results. (Cannot be a home test.)
  • To enhance the safety of our patients, staff and guests, UTMB has visitation restrictions in place. If you are accompanied by a visitor, they will be required to wait outside of the clinic.
  • You must wear a surgical mask at all times during your appointment. 
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time.  
  • You will be in the treatment area for approximately two hours, including the time for safety observation after the treatment. 
  • After the therapy, you should continue to self-isolate and use infection control measures (e.g., wear a mask, isolate, socially distance, avoid sharing personal items, clean and disinfect “high touch” surfaces, and practice frequent hand-washing).

 Costs and Billing 

  • No payment is required at the time of the treatment and UTMB is not billing for the cost of the medication. However, there is a charge for the administration of the therapy.  Many insurance providers cover this cost. Managed care plans may require a referral authorization prior to administration; please check with your insurance provider and obtain a referral prior to scheduling if required by your plan.

 Where Are These Treatments Offered at UTMB

UTMB is currently offering monoclonal antibody therapy for COVID-19 in Clear Lake, Galveston and Angleton. Directions will be provided when you select and schedule your appointment.

To get authorized/scheduled for treatment at UTMB:

  1. Obtain a positive laboratory COVID-19 test stating COVID-19 “not detected” or “negative.” (Home tests are not accepted.)
  2. Have your health care provider contact (281) 316-8239 to refer you for care.