Surge in monoclonal antibody treatments spurs HHS policy changes

Health and Human Services (HHS) is making temporary changes to its distribution policies for monoclonal antibody therapies, with an eye on maintaining sufficient supply to meet current and future demand. HHS said the changes come in response to “a substantial surge in the utilization of monoclonal antibody drugs, particularly in areas of the country with low vaccination rates.” The modifications included limiting immediate orders and shipment only to administration sites with HHSProtect accounts and current utilization reporting; and reviewing all orders for alignment with utilization, currently estimated at 70% of orders. Hospitals with questions about ordering and distributing these treatments can email the Federal COVID-19 Response Team. (AHA News article, 9/7/21)