Letter questions the end to the use of previously approved treatments for Eli Lilly and Regeneron’s monoclonal antibody drugs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Kat Cammack sent a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Janet Woodcock regarding the announcement to abruptly end the use of the monoclonal antibody therapies (mAbs) on patients infected with COVID-19.
In the letter, Cammack questions the FDA’s updated Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for two previously approved monoclonal antibody treatments and discusses how the sudden decision affects Florida’s state-supported antibody treatment sites.
In the letter Cammack writes: “I have heard from medical professionals across Florida and across the country that monoclonal antibody treatments can save lives and that ensuring providers have access to these treatments is an important component of fighting the spread of COVID-19, even if certain treatments are only partially effective. It is essential to have as many treatment options available as possible, so that providers can make the best decisions on a patient-by-patient basis.”
“We’ve seen great success with monoclonal antibody treatment sites in Florida, yet this abrupt decision at the federal level will have adverse effects on patients in the Sunshine State,” said Cammack. “A consistent supply of various treatment methods, as well as the introduction of new therapeutics, are key to our country’s continued response to the spread of COVID-19.”
The letter asks the FDA to reverse this decision and reauthorize the use of bamlanivimab-etesevimab and REGEN-COV as potential treatment options and asks why HHS failed to coordinate its policy change with Florida. The letter also asks how the Biden administration plans to make available other authorized treatment supplies that are currently in short supply.
