Pop-up infusion center provides antibody treatments for COVID-19 patients
Date posted: March 1, 2021
OptumLabs, part of UnitedHealth Group, has launched a temporary “pop-up” infusion center in Minnetonka to provide antibody treatments that could help a subset of COVID-19 patients avoid hospitalizations, according to the Star Tribune.
Antibodies are given to individuals with certain risk factors who have tested positive for COVID-19 and have mild to moderate symptoms. These laboratory-made proteins block the pandemic virus from attaching to and entering human cells.
The treatment is provided at no charge, and patients do not need to have coverage through UnitedHealthcare insurance. Anyone over age 65 with a COVID-19 diagnosis is eligible for treatment, which must be given within 10 days of symptom onset. Younger people with certain risk factors are also eligible.