Colorado Turns Antibody Therapy Buses Into Testing Sites

DENVER, CO — In response to a limited federal supply of monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19, as well as their reduced efficacy against the omicron variant, Colorado is converting its eight monoclonal antibody treatment buses into mobile testing units, according to officials.

Monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19 were granted an emergency use authorization by the FDA on Nov. 21. They are "laboratory designed proteins" designed to prevent COVID-19's entrance and attachment to cells, according to the FDA, and have reduced the chances of hospitalization and severe illness due to COVID-19.

Because of the mutations within the omicron variant — which accounts for a vast majority of new cases across the country, according to CDC estimates — only one of three monoclonal antibody treatments authorized for use remain effective, public health officials said.

As a result of this, the federal government will not be allocating the two treatments — casirivimab and imdevimab — that are not effective against this strain of the virus to areas that have a prevalence of omicron that meets or exceeds 80 percent, according to public health officials.

Anticipating a great reduction in the availability of these treatments, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment said that the best use of state resources is to convert its monoclonal therapy buses into mobile testing centers, as a way to help respond to the rising demand for COVID-19 testing.

The Denver monoclonal bus is already closed, and the remaining seven buses will shut down on Jan. 15.

Although their availability is reduced, the state is still offering monoclonal treatment for COVID-19. The best way to get treated is to speak with your doctor or healthcare professional. You can also find places to get treated here or at the state public health department's website.

As the production of the monoclonal treatment that is still effective against omicron — sotromivab — increases, the state expects an increased allocation of COVID-19 treatment options effective against omicron, public health officials said.