Ferris Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Center begins administering Sotrovimab

FERRIS – The Ferris Monoclonal Antibody Treatment Center began early this week administering its almost 400 doses of Sotrovimab.

Until last week, the treatment center had been utilizing Regeneron in the battle against COVID-19. However, the US Department of Health & Human Services recently blindsided healthcare workers and officials in multiple states and local governments after hastily announcing that the federal government would be changing how the COVID-19 monoclonal antibody (Regeneron) treatment was distributed.

Ferris City Manager Brooks Williams celebrated the shipment of 400 doses of Sotrovimab to Ferris’ Monoclonal Antibody Infusion Center and said, “this was the largest shipment being sent to Ellis and surrounding counties.”

Doses began being administered Monday, and Williams said there were about 30 doses being given per day.
By Monday afternoon, appointments for the 400 doses had been secured through a registration process that began late last week.

The Sotrovimab antibody has been touted by the federal government as the “new monoclonal antibody” that will combat the most recent COVID-19 Omicron variant with more efficacy than the Delta variant Regeneron monoclonal antibody.

“This is a monumental win for the City of Ferris, Ellis County, and the geographical area we serve,” Williams said. “There is no way this would be possible without the coordination and teamwork that has taken place between the City of Ferris, Ellis County, MDLabTX, AMR, CareFlite, MedLine, Gotham, and all those who advocated on our behalf.”

Williams said Dr. John Hellerstedt with the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) shared with him on Monday, “… you and your team have left no stone unturned in your efforts to benefit your community.” Williams continued by saying, “We are seeing that effort pay off, and I am eternally grateful.”

Sotrovimab is FDA approved for intravenous administration, but unlike Regeneron is not approved for intramuscular administration.

Administering Sotrovimab will require a greater amount of time for the patient and staff, and requires IV supplies to be able to administer the drug.