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Coronaviruses

Biden Administration Takes Control of Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Distribution to Ensure Fair Allocation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the delta variant continues to fuel a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in several southern states, the Biden administration has taken steps to ensure fair distribution of monoclonal antibody treatments. These treatments, developed by medical science, are a lifesaving measure that can prevent hospitalization for those infected with the virus. However, stocks of the treatments have largely been going to states with low vaccination rates, particularly Florida, Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana, which have accounted for 70 percent of orders. The Biden administration has directed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to take over the distribution of the treatments to ensure that they are allocated fairly across the country.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Biden administration has taken control of the distribution of monoclonal antibody treatments to ensure fair allocation across the country.
  • Seven states - Florida, Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana - have accounted for 70 percent of orders for the treatments.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will determine the amount of product each state and territory receives on a weekly basis, with state and territorial health departments identifying sites that will receive the product.
  • The administration has announced an increase in weekly shipments from 100,000 doses to 150,000 and has ordered additional doses of the antibody treatments to meet the demand.
  • It will likely take several weeks to expand the pipeline for the treatments, with state officials expecting the new limits to remain in place through at least October.

Statistics:

  • 70 percent of orders for monoclonal antibody treatments have been placed by seven states - Florida, Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana.
  • The Biden administration has increased weekly shipments from 100,000 doses to 150,000 to meet the demand.
  • From 100,000 doses to 150,000.
  • It may take several weeks to expand the pipeline for the treatments.

Sources:

  • CNN: "Monoclonal antibody treatment distribution change, contracts" (https://www.cnn.com/2021/09/15/health/monoclonal-antibody-treatment-distribution-change-contracts/index.html)
  • Politico: "Biden COVID antibody treatments" (https://www.politico.com/news/2021/09/14/biden-covid-antibody-treatments-511825)

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