Urgent Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Changes Going Into Effect Monday in Response to Critical Supply Shortages and New MDHHS Guidance

Urgent Monoclonal Antibody Therapy Changes Going Into Effect Monday in Response to Critical Supply Shortages and New MDHHS Guidance
01.06.2022

Due to critical supply shortages and updated guidance on eligibility criteria from MDHHS, Munson Healthcare (MHC) is implementing the following changes to our Monoclonal Antibody (mAb) Therapy Program, effective Monday, Jan. 10:

  • MHC will be switching exclusively to the Sotrovimab therapy in all of our monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy infusion locations, including our Emergency Departments. This decision is based on:
    • We anticipate running out of our current supply of Bamlanivimab-Etesevimab and REGEN-COV by this weekend.
    • Midwest U.S. data shows Omicron variant at more than 93% of COVID cases. Although our local data is lagging, we believe that our regional Omicron variant prevalence is likely also high.
    • Omicron does not respond to our current mAb therapies (Bamlanivimab-Etesevimab and REGEN-COV).
    • ​If MHC receives unexpected deliveries of Bamlanivimab-Etesevimab and REGEN-COV, they may be provided to lower risk patients. Our MHC mAB Team will make these changes, as appropriate. 
  • Due to a limited supply of Sotrovimab and uncertainty to if and when we might receive more, mAb therapy appointments will continue to be limited.
  • MHC will be transitioning to providing all mAb therapy using IV administration and discontinuing subcutaneous administration as we will no longer be providing REGEN-COV.
  • In order to optimize our supply, MHC will be implementing the new MDHHS Priority Eligibility Criteria for COVID-19 Outpatient Therapy to allocate mAb treatment.
    • Please refer patients who meet Tier 1A and 1B criteria to the mAb program.
    • We will prioritize patients who are Tier 1A for Sotrovimab therapy. If supply allows, we will also treat patients in Tier 1B.
    • If a patient in Tier 1A or 1B is unable to receive Sotrovimab due to availability, it is reasonable to seek out Molnupiravir as an alternative. Further information on Molnupiravir availability and instructions for prescribing can be found on MHC’s For Providers webpage. Of note, at this time, Paxlovid is not available in northern Michigan and is limited to Meijer Pharmacies in SE Michigan.
    • NOTE: The MDHHS Priority Eligibility Criteria also includes a new definition of “maximally vaccinated,” meaning completion of all recommended vaccination doses for the age group/patient status, including booster. 

We will continue to keep you posted. Thank you for your understanding as we navigate these changes.