Mayo Clinic reaches COVID-19 therapy milestone

 Increasing access to high-quality health care and providing innovative, evidence-based care solutions to the communities it serves is a priority for Mayo Clinic Health System, even in the midst of an enduring global pandemic encompassing two years. One innovative therapeutic advancement used to prevent severe disease and death due to COVID-19 is called monoclonal antibody therapy.

Mayo Clinic has one of the most robust monoclonal antibody programs in the country, and the program has strongly contributed to the state of Minnesota’s public health and ability to confront the COVID-19 pandemic. This week marks a milestone, as Mayo Clinic Health System infused its 10,000th patient with monoclonal antibodies. To date, 20,000 infusions have been performed across all Mayo Clinic locations including Arizona and Florida.

Monoclonal antibodies are drugs that consist of one (mono-) neutralizing antibody copied (cloned) in a lab that helps to decrease the amount of virus circulating in the body. Patients as young as 12 who meet criteria and are considered high-risk for developing severe disease are eligible to receive monoclonal antibody therapy. The therapy is administered by IV, which can be done on an outpatient basis.

Earlier this year, Mayo Clinic researchers concluded that, based on real-world data, monoclonal antibodies help patients avoid hospitalization when administered early on before the disease progresses. Additional Mayo Clinic research has shown up to 70% reduction in hospitalization.

              Monoclonal antibody infusions have been given at Mayo Clinic in Rochester and these Mayo Clinic Health System locations:

  • Austin, Minnesota.
  • Albert Lea, Minnesota.
  • Barron, Wisconsin.
  • Bloomer, Wisconsin.
  • Cannon Falls, Minnesota.
  • Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
  • Fairmont, Minnesota.
  • La Crosse, Wisconsin.
  • Mankato, Minnesota.
  • New Prague, Minnesota.
  • Red Wing, Minnesota.

              “Throughout the pandemic, our staff have continued to put the needs of patients first,” says Robert Albright, Jr., D.O., regional vice president of Mayo Clinic Health System in Southeast Minnesota. “Providing easy availability of this cutting edge treatment in our rural communities is just one way we are delivering innovative care and added convenience to our neighbors, families and loved ones to keep them healthy and prevent hospitalization.”