Monoclonal Antibodies for COVID-19 Treatment: Is It an Option in Indonesia?

Alvina Widhani1

  • 11. Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Universitas Indonesia - Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia. 2. Department of Internal Medicine, Universitas Indonesia Hospital, Depok, West Java, Indonesia. alvina.widhani@gmail.com.

Acta Medica Indonesiana
|November 2, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Monoclonal antibodies show moderate efficacy and good safety for decreasing COVID-19 severity and mortality. However, high costs and limited production may restrict access, particularly in low-income countries.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pathogenesis involves excessive inflammatory activation.
  • Understanding COVID-19 pathogenesis can improve treatment strategies.
  • Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are being evaluated as a therapeutic modality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate monoclonal antibodies as a treatment for COVID-19.
  • To assess the efficacy and safety of mAbs in reducing COVID-19 severity and mortality.
  • To consider the feasibility and economic sustainability of mAbs in diverse healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing research on monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19.
  • Analysis of efficacy, safety, production limitations, and cost-effectiveness.
  • Consideration of accessibility in low to middle-income countries.

Main Results:

  • Monoclonal antibodies demonstrate moderate efficacy and good safety in decreasing COVID-19 severity and mortality.
  • Efficacy may vary across different SARS-CoV-2 variants.
  • High costs and limited production pose significant barriers to widespread access.

Conclusions:

  • Monoclonal antibodies are a promising therapeutic option for COVID-19, particularly for high-risk patients.
  • Economic sustainability and accessibility remain critical challenges, especially in resource-limited settings.
  • The use of mAbs may be most feasible for localized epidemics or small outbreaks.