New treatment offered in Duluth

Essentia Health is offering a new treatment for people diagnosed with mild to moderate Covid-19 who are at high risk for severe complications and hospitalization.

The drug, called bamlanivimab, is a monoclonal antibody recently authorized for emergency use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It must be given within 10 days of the start of symptoms and as soon as possible after a positive Covid-19 test.

Patients must meet criteria set by the FDA to qualify for the treatment. There is a limited supply of bamlanivimab, so it is being allocated by federal and state agencies.

More than 200 appointments are available each week across Essentia Health. The therapy is offered in Duluth at Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center, 407 E. Third St., along with eight other Essentia sites.

People who test positive for Covid-19 at any Essentia Health site are automatically screened for the FDA’s criteria. Those who were tested at other sites can call 833-769-1524 to be screened.