I don't see the need for running a test or assay f
Post# of 155052
(Total Views: 640)
Posted On: 02/16/2021 2:40:03 AM
Re: MD VIROLOGIST #78091
I don't see the need for running a test or assay for mild/moderate covid patients that might benefit from Leronlimab. The criteria is straightforward, and based on two simple questions-- 1) Have you tested positive for Covid-19?
2) Are you over 65 and/or have serious co-morbidities?
The Lilly and REGN mabs are being sold right now under this protocol. This is not just my opinion or belief. Check this out from the Nov 9, 2020 FDA press release that authorized the EUA for BamMab in mild to moderate patients:
"Bamlanivimab is authorized for patients with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing who are 12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kilograms (about 88 pounds), and who are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization. This includes those who are 65 years of age or older, or who have certain chronic medical conditions."
This market of course is huge, and Cytodyn could easily become the SOC based on efficacy and ease of administration, as an injectable. BamMab costs $1250 for the drug plus additional expense for the infusion. "Those infusions, typically given in hospitals or standalone clinics, can cost well over $1,000." (10/28/20, Morning Edition, NPR). Given we require two doses, we are roughly equal in price, easier to administer, and arguably the better drug.
In an ideal world, a test to determine disease severity to guide treatment would be great. But we are in a pandemic. Like with covid tests and getting vaccine into arms, speed and ease of deployment matter. A covid severity test means arranging a visit to a busy hospital or clinic, getting tested, waiting for lab results (hours?, days?), and then getting treatment (same place?, other facility?). Time is ticking, the disease is progressing, and all the while the patient is highly in a highly contagious state. It makes a lot more sense to ask a couple simple questions over the phone and get the process moving right away. Most patients could likely get their 1st shot of LL the same day they get their covid test results. Bed-ridden or congregate-care patients could be dosed the next day by visiting nurses or home-care staff. This would save a shit-tonne of money for insurers and prevent hospital over-crowding.
Okay, we all know manufacturing and supply is the limiting issue here, and LL will be reserved for severe and critical patients for the near future. If we get government support, if the US and other nations free up bioreactor capability, if Nadar gets some deals done, and if we get an EUA for M/M... perhaps by next fall or winter we will be selling LL to old guys like me with high blood pressure. And doing a lot of good and making a few bucks too.
No doubt a diagnostic test will be crucial for long-haulers patients. Seems like everybody afflicted has different ailments and affected organs. Plenty of utility there, and since people aren't contagious with an active infection, time isn't as much of an issue.
That's my take on covid diagnostic tests.
2) Are you over 65 and/or have serious co-morbidities?
The Lilly and REGN mabs are being sold right now under this protocol. This is not just my opinion or belief. Check this out from the Nov 9, 2020 FDA press release that authorized the EUA for BamMab in mild to moderate patients:
"Bamlanivimab is authorized for patients with positive results of direct SARS-CoV-2 viral testing who are 12 years of age and older weighing at least 40 kilograms (about 88 pounds), and who are at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization. This includes those who are 65 years of age or older, or who have certain chronic medical conditions."
This market of course is huge, and Cytodyn could easily become the SOC based on efficacy and ease of administration, as an injectable. BamMab costs $1250 for the drug plus additional expense for the infusion. "Those infusions, typically given in hospitals or standalone clinics, can cost well over $1,000." (10/28/20, Morning Edition, NPR). Given we require two doses, we are roughly equal in price, easier to administer, and arguably the better drug.
In an ideal world, a test to determine disease severity to guide treatment would be great. But we are in a pandemic. Like with covid tests and getting vaccine into arms, speed and ease of deployment matter. A covid severity test means arranging a visit to a busy hospital or clinic, getting tested, waiting for lab results (hours?, days?), and then getting treatment (same place?, other facility?). Time is ticking, the disease is progressing, and all the while the patient is highly in a highly contagious state. It makes a lot more sense to ask a couple simple questions over the phone and get the process moving right away. Most patients could likely get their 1st shot of LL the same day they get their covid test results. Bed-ridden or congregate-care patients could be dosed the next day by visiting nurses or home-care staff. This would save a shit-tonne of money for insurers and prevent hospital over-crowding.
Okay, we all know manufacturing and supply is the limiting issue here, and LL will be reserved for severe and critical patients for the near future. If we get government support, if the US and other nations free up bioreactor capability, if Nadar gets some deals done, and if we get an EUA for M/M... perhaps by next fall or winter we will be selling LL to old guys like me with high blood pressure. And doing a lot of good and making a few bucks too.
No doubt a diagnostic test will be crucial for long-haulers patients. Seems like everybody afflicted has different ailments and affected organs. Plenty of utility there, and since people aren't contagious with an active infection, time isn't as much of an issue.
That's my take on covid diagnostic tests.
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