January 7, 2022

Update on COVID-19 Therapeutics

This health alert provides updates on (1) the use of monoclonal antibody therapies and (2) the availability of oral antivirals and infusion therapies for outpatients with COVID-19. This alert also contains information on how healthcare providers and patients can access oral antivirals and infusion therapies, which must be started in the first few days after symptom onset. Finally, this alert provides information on a long-acting monoclonal antibody therapy for pre-exposure prophylaxis in immunocompromised patients.

In short, given the increasing prevalence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in the State, Maine CDC recommends healthcare providers suspend use of two monoclonal antibody therapies, bamlanivimab/etesevimab ("bam-ete") and casirivimab/imdevimab (REGEN-COV). A third monoclonal antibody therapy, sotrovimab, remains effective against the Omicron variant and should continue to be offered to patients meeting criteria.

With respect to oral antiviral therapies, Paxlovid and molnupiravir, Maine CDC is working with two pharmacy chains, Walmart and Hannaford, to make these therapies available across the State. More information will follow soon describing how to determine which patients should receive these therapies in the setting of limited availabilities.

Maine CDC - Evusheld Tiers and Contacts | Advisory (PDF)