New monoclonal antibody treatment available in Las Cruces

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - A Las Cruces doctor is offering a brand new type of monoclonal antibody therapy to patients.

In December, the Food and Drug Administration issued an emergency use authorization for Evusheld, which is administered by injection. The drug is intended to prevent Covid-19 infections in immunocompromised people.

"It's really exciting," said Dr. Steven Acosta. "It's always nice to have as many tools as possible when you're fighting such an infectious disease."

The drug is not available for everyone. It's specifically intended for those who have immunosuppression from disease or medication. It can also help those who are allergic to ingredients in the vaccines.

“This is a product that we want to use for those patients who want to get vaccinated, but can’t," explained Dr. Edward Michelson, the chair of emergency medicine for Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.

Those who might be eligible include cancer patients with lymphoma or leukemia, Dr. Michelson explained. Those with organ transplants taking immunosuppressant medicine might also qualify for Evusheld. Another group encouraged to get the drug would be patients allergic to the vaccine.

Long before Evusheld was available to the public, Dr. Jose Burgos led a clinical trial in El Paso. As ABC-7 reported back in 2020, it was a clinical trial of a "vaccine alternative."

"It is a fulfilling sensation to be part of this process," Dr. Burgos told ABC-7. "This is typically what happens with absolutely any drug. It goes through rigorous processes to make sure that it is safe."

"It's always nice to have something you can go to and give people some hope that we can prevent an illness and hopefully put Covid in the rearview mirror," Dr. Acosta said.

If you'd like to make an appointment to receive the drug, you can call Acosta Medical Clinic at (575) 449-4549.