Monoclonal antibody treatments ineffective against Omicron
To the editor:
Gov. Ron DeSantis must abandon his stance on recommending monoclonal antibody treatments over preventative vaccines.
Monoclonal antibody treatments, which were effective against Delta, do not work against Omicron, which now accounts for more than 99% of new COVID cases. The drug manufacturers themselves, Regeneron and Eli Lilly, have confirmed it, and the FDA has halted distribution of it.
Gov. DeSantis is condemning the FDA decision, even hinting at legal action. Despite all previous warnings that these drugs don’t work against the Omicron variant, DeSantis has made it the central part of Florida’s COVID response. Despite DeSantis’ claim that there is not “a shred of clinical data to support” the FDA’s decision, there is overwhelming data on the monoclonal antibodies’ lack of effectiveness against the Omicron variant.
This is critical for all Floridians to know — our governor is prioritizing a treatment that doesn’t work over vaccines that do.
Getting a COVID vaccine takes about a minute, followed by 10 to 15 minutes of observation time. Getting monoclonal antibody treatments involves an infusion through an IV for at least an hour, followed by a minimum of another hour of observation for allergic reactions. The vaccine is quicker, far less painful, in plentiful supply and effective.
This is political posturing at its most dangerous. COVID deaths due to the Omicron variant are greater than they were with the Delta variant. Over 2,000 Americans die every day.
While monoclonal antibody treatments were effective against Delta, they have been proven ineffective against Omicron. Unvaccinated people will die. Monoclonal antibody treatments will not save them.
It’s past time for DeSantis to adapt to a medical strategy that works. The health and safety of Florida residents should be his first priority.
Susan McGuire
Bokeelia