RUHS-Medical Center Offers Monoclonal Antibodies Treatment

Even with decreasing cases and hospitalizations, those with high-risk conditions who have tested positive for COVID-19 are encouraged to get monoclonal antibody treatment at Riverside University Health System (RUHS) – Medical Center.

In January, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limited the use of certain monoclonal antibody therapies that were ineffective against the omicron variant. In response, RUHS – Medical Center is administering sotrovimab, an IV infusion shown to be effective against omicron and other variants.

Dr. Michael Mesisca, RUHS – Medical Center’s medical director for emergency medicine, says that monoclonal antibody treatment is one of many available tools that are key to living with COVID-19.

“As we come to terms with COVID-19 as an endemic disease, we can protect our most vulnerable residents by providing easy access to vaccination and monoclonal antibody treatment,” said Mesisca.

To receive monoclonal antibody treatment, patients must have a positive test for COVID-19, symptoms that started in the past 10 days, and a high-risk condition, such as one of the following:

• Obesity
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart, liver, lung, or kidney diseases
• Pregnancy
• Cancer diagnosis
• Aged 65 and over
• Compromised immune system due to organ transplants or immunosuppressant medications

There are many other conditions that qualify. Those unsure if they have a high-risk condition should contact the treatment center.

For questions and appointments, call 951-486-6520. Patients can also get a referral from their physician to the treatment center, which is located at 26520 Cactus Avenue in Moreno Valley.

Riverside University Health System (RUHS) includes a 439-bed Medical Center with Level 1 Trauma Center (including 77 inpatient psychiatric treatment beds at the Arlington Campus), Medical Surgical Center, 13 Community Health Centers and several primary and specialty clinics as well as the departments of Public Health and Behavioral Health with services provided throughout Riverside County, California. With more than 8,000 staff members and over 125 years of experience serving Riverside County communities, RUHS continues its commitment to and legacy of delivering exceptional, compassionate care with a focus on community wellness and medical education. Visit ruhealth.org to learn more.

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