A new antibody drug designed to help newly-diagnosed patients with COVID-19 has recently been granted emergency use authorization (EUA) for use in the United States. The drug, however, will be in high demand and short supply. U.S. hospitals may have to limit use of the drug to people with multiple risk factors or those whose immune systems have not initiated a fight against the virus.

Howard J. Huang, MD, a specialist in pulmonary and critical care medicine at Houston Methodist, spoke with writers at US News & World Report about the drug. Huang indicated there may need to be some type of composite score to select patients. For example, it might be available for someone who has cardiovascular disease, a history of stroke and is older.

Specialists are defining criteria for patients who might benefit the most from this therapy. "Otherwise, we will be out of drug real soon," said Huang. For more information, see the article in US News & World Report.