The ABCs of mAbs: Monoclonal Antibody Therapies for COVID-19 Bring Promise, but Limitations Remain

“It’s a big deal. This is different than all the other drugs you’ve heard about. This drug does make a difference in survival rates,” said J. Doug Nelson, MD, a family physician and medical director in Hickory, NC, about monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and their use in treating COVID-19. Early evidence suggests that mAbs treatment can reduce the viral load — the amount of coronavirus in a person’s body — which may lead to milder symptoms and help speed recovery. “For every 12 patients who qualify for this treatment, at least one will be able to keep from going to the hospital.