Ron DeSantis, Nikki Fried rally around monoclonal antibody treatment
Conflict for Governor, Commish.

DeSantis Fried 3.25.21
Fried’s endorsement comes as DeSantis travels the state hailing the treatment.

Gov. Ron DeSantis and Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried found common ground Friday in an emerging medical treatment for COVID-19: monoclonal antibodies.

Fried, a Democratic gubernatorial candidate, recognized monoclonal antibodies Friday as a medical approach to prevent death and reduce COVID-19-related hospitalizations.

If a doctor encourages it, she said, get it.

“Hopefully, this will save lives,” Fried told reporters.

Fried’s endorsement comes as DeSantis travels the state hailing the treatment. Over the last week, the Republican Governor has made stops in several cities, including Fort Walton Beach, to promote its use.

The key, DeSantis maintains, is early administration of the drug.

“Early treatment saves lives,” reads a sign displayed across the Governor’s podium at each press event.

The free treatment involves injecting laboratory-created antibodies into an infected person’s system.

In January, the Donald Trump administration purchased Regeneron’s entire supply of monoclonal antibodies, making it free to those who need it. In October, Trump later received the treatment when he contracted COVID-19, promoting it as a “miracle” and a “cure.”

While promising, Fried and medical professionals note that monoclonal antibodies are not a substitute for a COVID-19 vaccination.

“I would encourage people to get the vaccine,” Fried said. “And if you do get sick, then obviously this is another alternative treatment.”

In August, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the injectable antibody cocktail as an early COVID-19 treatment for people at high risk for severe infections, such as those who are immunocompromised.

DeSantis on Friday said the stockpile of Regeneron has been “relatively underutilized” despite its medical and cost upside.

“Right now, we can order 10,000 doses every crack we want, and they get here within 24 hours,” DeSantis said.

Fried helped open a Regeneron treatment center Thursday in Tampa.

“The massive spikes in COVID-19 cases driving our hospital system to the brink is largely by unvaccinated individuals,” Fried said at the announcement.

Fried is among critics who allege the Governor has not done enough to promote COVID-19 vaccinations, making this a rare point of agreement between the two.

Jason Delgado

Jason Delgado covers news out of the Florida State Capitol. After a go with the U.S. Army, the Orlando-native attended the University of Central Florida and earned a degree in American Policy and National Security. His past bylines include WMFE-NPR and POLITICO Florida. He'd love to hear from you. You can reach Jason by email ([email protected]) or on Twitter at @byJasonDelgado.


9 comments

  • Biden is Inept

    August 20, 2021 at 3:48 pm

    Nikki must have hit the bong early today. I could never imagine her agreeing with DeSantis on anything.

  • Tom

    August 20, 2021 at 4:17 pm

    Fraud is ailing.
    She is a stalker! She needs to be arrested. Cannabis queen up in smoke.
    Her behavior and actions are beyond extreme.
    My goodness she is dangerous.

  • Jmjusa

    August 20, 2021 at 4:26 pm

    Jason…. Pull up your panties, “Fried and medical professionals note that monoclonal antibodies are not a substitute for a COVID-19 vaccination.”…
    Duh, it’s something that you & your demon-rat clones (no treatment for that disease) haven’t been covering about the present governor cause, well, whaa! He might just be right on point…
    Wet panties & sniffle next to the ag secty using this as political Bullcrap…

  • Tom Palmer

    August 20, 2021 at 4:34 pm

    Get the shot, goobers.

    • Jerry

      August 20, 2021 at 7:43 pm

      There is no way in hell I am getting that genetic cocktail. NEVER! That decision is made. I will not be getting it. I see no reason to get it. I’ve had COVID and did nothing but give me a stuffed up nose for a few days. I still have antibodies. And the vaccine doesn’t stop you from spreading it. So what benefit is it to me? None.

      But you go ahead and enjoy your booster shots every 8 months, and Pfizer thanks you for making them soon the richest corporation in the world.

  • Anna

    August 21, 2021 at 1:39 pm

    My neighbor’s aunt makes 62 every hour on the internet..tti she has been without work for eight months but the previous month her revenue was 19022 only working on the laptop 5 hours a day..

    check this …… http://SwagTip.com

  • Ron Ogden

    August 21, 2021 at 2:38 pm

    What’ll she do next, pull a Biden and claim the whole thing was her idea?

  • Amy Briggs

    August 21, 2021 at 3:13 pm

    Since I started with my online business,KJH I earn $25 every 15 minutes. It sounds unbelievable but you won’t forgive yourself if you don’t check it out. Learn more about it here… rb.gy/mpermp

  • Matthew Lusk

    August 21, 2021 at 4:15 pm

    Those laboratory created antibodies are derived from injecting snippets of human embryo proteins into lab mice, then extracting and separating mice juice concentrates. Regeneron inc. is a disgrace! NO THANK YOU!

Comments are closed.


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