Before the advent of COVID-19 vaccines, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) emerged as a crucial therapy for mitigating the risk of severe COVID, particularly among high-risk patients. A recent study from the University of Minnesota School of Public Health (SPH) sheds light on Minnesota’s effective distribution of mAbs during the pandemic, showcasing positive health outcomes.
The University of Minnesota, in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Health and 116 private health care sites, established the Minnesota Resource Allocation Platform (MNRAP). This online platform facilitated mAbs access, connecting over 31,000 patients to care during its operation. Notably, MNRAP ensured equitable distribution, prioritizing high-risk individuals regardless of their affiliation with a health care system.
Analyzing health outcomes from February 2021 to July 2022, the study revealed significant findings:
Patients referred through MNRAP had lower hospitalization rates (5.2% for unreferred versus 6.1% for referred), emphasizing the platform’s success in reaching those at higher clinical risk.
Vaccination provided superior protection against hospitalization and death compared to mAb referrals. Unvaccinated individuals without referrals faced a 4.1% increased risk of hospitalization.
JP Leider, SPH associate professor and lead author, highlighted the platform’s impact, stating, “In just a year and a half, MNRAP connected over 30,000 Minnesotans battling COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies, irrespective of their usual source of care.” While vaccination remains the primary defence, mAbs proved valuable for unvaccinated individuals, offering protection against severe outcomes.
Equitable Distribution and Clinical Prioritization:
MNRAP’s core mission was ensuring fair distribution, even during supply shortages. The platform clinically prioritized those at highest risk, implementing a statewide lottery during scarcity. This approach aimed to prevent disparities based on factors such as health system affiliation or navigating complex healthcare systems.
Debra DeBruin, director of the University’s Center for Bioethics, emphasized, “Clinical risk factors should guide allocation decisions, avoiding disparities based on individual circumstances.” MNRAP successfully avoided uneven access to critical resources, addressing nationwide challenges documented in the media.
Support and Funding:
The research received support from the Minnesota Department of Health, the University’s Center for Bioethics, and Hennepin Healthcare.
Minnesota’s MNRAP stands as a successful model for the equitable distribution of monoclonal antibodies, showcasing its effectiveness in connecting patients with critical treatments, particularly during the early stages of the pandemic.
