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Pardee ends monoclonal antibody treatments, citing Omicron, supply issues

By Lightning Reports, Published: December 25, 2021

Citing an increase in cases as a result of the Omicron variant, a lack of effective monoclonal antibody treatments for the new variant and supply issues nationally, Pardee UNC Health Care ceased operating its infusion clinic on Friday.

While the monoclonal antibody treatments previously available for infusions have been highly effective at treating COVID and the most recent variants, they are not as effective at treating the new Omicron-driven Covid cases, the hospital said in an announcement earlier this week.
As more data becomes available about treatment options and accompanying supply of treatments increases, an update will be provided. Until treatment options are available, Pardee officials encourage the community to get vaccinated or boosted, if they are not already. “If you’ve not yet gotten vaccinated, please do,” said Dr. David Ellis, Chief Medical Officer for Pardee UNC Health Care. “Even though we know that being vaccinated is no longer a guarantee of not contracting the virus, the data does indicate that vaccinated individuals are less likely to suffer severe illness, are less likely to require hospitalization and are less likely to die if they contract the virus.” Ellis adds that getting vaccinated and “boosted” will also decrease the stress on area hospitals and healthcare systems.