‘COVID is a treatable illness’: Gov. DeSantis lauds monoclonal antibody treatment

DeSantis
Roughly 25 monoclonal antibody treatment sites are open statewide.

Gov. Ron DeSantis continued his Regeneron roadshow Wednesday, this time touting the effectiveness of monoclonal antibody treatment in Palm Coast.

Monoclonal antibodies, like those manufactured by Regeneron, are lab-created antibodies proven to mitigate COVID-19 symptoms and complications.

Speaking at Daytona State College, DeSantis described the drug as a “really significant” tool in the COVID-19 therapeutic arsenal.

“If treated early, the success rate is very, very high,” the Republican Governor lauded.

Wednesday’s trip marked the latest in a months-long series of promotional grand opening events the Governor has held across the state.

At many events, including Wednesday in Palm Coast, recipients often highlight their experience and recovery after a dose of the antibodies.

“COVID is a treatable illness,” DeSantis emphasized. “You didn’t hear as much about these treatments for a long time, as you should’ve.”

The Regeneron version of the treatment, which is free, involves four shots — one in each arm and two in the stomach.

Amy Young, a mother and realtor in Palm Coast, tested positive for COVID-19 in August.

She experienced an array of symptoms including a high fever and trouble breathing. But hours after the treatment, Young said she began feeling better.

She encouraged those who contract the virus to seek the treatment, regardless of political affiliation or vaccination status.

“The ones in your stomach actually don’t hurt as badly,” Young said.

Florida Department of Emergency Management Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kenneth Scheppke echoed the Governor’s message, reiterating that COVID-19 is indeed a treatable illness.

The key, however, is early treatment.

“Don’t wait for those really bad symptoms to show up, because then it may be too late for the treatment to work for you,” Scheppke said.

In all, roughly 25 treatment sites are open statewide.

DeSantis expects the state to have administered roughly 70,000 monoclonal antibody treatments by the end of Wednesday.

“The goal is… to make it that the vast vast majority of people have relatively easy access,” DeSantis said.

More details and the locations of treatment sites, including in Daytona Beach and Highland County, are available online.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the injectable antibody cocktail in August as an early COVID-19 treatment for people at high risk for severe infections.

In the Department of Health’s most recent weekly COVID-19 report, issued last Friday, Florida recorded 129,202 new cases and 2,345 new deaths.

Overall, more than 46,900 people have died of COVID-19 in Florida, which ranks 17th in per-capita deaths among the states.

The majority of the deaths this summer — like last summer — are among the elderly, according to the Florida Department of Health.

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.


14 comments

  • Linda Brooks

    September 8, 2021 at 12:26 pm

    Hy

  • Alex

    September 8, 2021 at 12:42 pm

    We know Governor,

    You can’t actually come out and tell the truth that vaccines are by far the best way to go for individuals and the state because the idiot Trump cultists will attack you, and Trump will toss you aside like he has so many who disagree or show any sort of disrespect for his Royal Orange Highness , so you have to pretend Regeneron is some sort of miraculous cure-all to look like you’re doing something.

    Yes, that makes you not only a bad Governor, but a terrible human being to boot.

  • PeterH

    September 8, 2021 at 12:50 pm

    “Treatable” is not a “cure!”

    Once treated, the “treated” patient can get infected again! And again!

    Furthermore, Regeneron is 20X more expensive!

    Get vaccinated, wear a mask, socially distance.

    …….and the American taxpayer is picking up the tab for the vaccine, Regeneron and all Covid hospital stays. There is no magical money pot paying for these ANTIVAX FREEDUMB AGITATORS. Every hospitalized unvaccinated person is adding to the National Debt.

    • Tom

      September 8, 2021 at 1:42 pm

      Foolish H.
      Regeneron was paid in full by 45’s administration in January. Done ! No profiteering in play. The WH says America’s Gov is following science.
      But two ignorant ball scratchers Che “Alex” Gueavara and Peter @Lincoln predator org” know better.

      Why is it the POTUS had two FDA scientists resign ? No FDA commissioner either. Pathetic
      Ugly smears and lies infest Dems and haters.

      America’s Gov the best!
      Leads by example. Takes a bad situation and offers hope making a difference in people’s lives. Good msn and Gov!

      • Alex

        September 8, 2021 at 1:56 pm

        12 time proven liar babble.

        • Tom

          September 8, 2021 at 6:25 pm

          It’s all facts! You deal in fraud.
          Regeneron is paid in full. Fact
          Two scientists at FDA resigned in protest over WH interference on booster. Pfizer corrupt
          Fact, no FDA commish.
          You are the Socialist liar.
          You are the mental case liar.
          Everyone knows your ill Alex.
          Peter is associated with degenerate org.

          You & peter h can’t play with me, Nola contendre!
          You both live on the curb.
          LMAO

          • Alex

            September 8, 2021 at 6:37 pm

            More lies.

            Yawn.

        • Tom

          September 8, 2021 at 9:53 pm

          Total fraud Alex.
          U r a Child.

  • Peterh

    September 8, 2021 at 2:37 pm

    Across the USA…250,000 American children tested positive for Covid last week.

    Today’s GQP mantra:

    ‘ Fetuses are sacred, children are dispensable.’

    • Tom

      September 8, 2021 at 8:19 pm

      Peter
      We would make exceptions for you & Alex.

  • Impeach Biden

    September 8, 2021 at 4:08 pm

    Who needs Fauci when we have Dr. Alex and Dr.Peterh as regulars experts.😜

  • Tom Palmer

    September 8, 2021 at 6:49 pm

    Prevention is better than treatment. Same goes for environmental pollution. GOP ignores both.

    • Tom

      September 8, 2021 at 8:43 pm

      Palmer, you have fallen into the Alex and Peter H category.

      Governor Ron the best on environmental policy.

Comments are closed.


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