Topline
Florida Gov. On Thursday, Ron DeSantis criticized the Biden administration over what he called a dramatic decrease in the state supply of monoclonal antibodies treatments. This comes as the federal government works to prevent shortages of life-saving drugs caused by a surge in demand from a few hard-hit states, including Florida, which had the highest amount of the drugs last week.
MIAMI FL - AUGUST 29, 2019: Governor Ron DeSantis provides a briefing on Hurricane Dorian to the media at National Hurricane Center in Miami, Florida, on August 29, 2019. As Hurricane Dorian approaches Florida, it is expected that Hurricane Dorian will become a Category 4. (Photo by Eva Marie Uzcategui/Getty Images). Getty Images
The Key Facts
DeSantis, who is a frequent critic for the Biden administration, claimed that the federal government had taken control of the supply monoclonal antibody treatment supplies. The Department of Health and Human Services announced this week that it would be returning to a system in which drugs are allocated based on usage and case rates. This move was described by the department as an attempt to ensure equitable distribution of drugs. DeSantis said on Thursday that the move could cause a major disruption to his state. His state has grown increasingly dependent on the drugs as they decrease hospitalizations and deaths among those with the virus. DeSantis stated that Florida will need to work hard to overcome the obstacles HHS and Biden have placed in our path. DeSantis also criticised President Biden's announcement last week that the federal government would increase the distribution of monoclonal antibodies treatments. HHS did not respond immediately to a request for comment.
Important Quote
DeSantis stated that we are extremely concerned by the Biden administration's abrupt and abrupt announcement that they will drastically reduce the amount of monoclonal antibody that is being sent to Florida. This will cause a lot of disruption, and patients will be affected.
Important Background
HHS tightened its grip on federal monoclonal antibody treatment supplies earlier this month. It said that a group seven states, many of which are thought to have low vaccination rates, were using up 70% of the country's allotted doses. Forbes was told by a senior HHS official that the change was temporary and meant to ensure all states had access to the treatment, not just a small number. Some states that were most affected by the changes have resisted, arguing that they should be prioritised due to the current crises.
Chief Critics
The Medical Association of Alabama stated Monday that it was concerned by the federal government's limiting of treatment supplies. It said it should not be limiting treatment, but rather helping to provide more.
Contra
These treatments are not available in all states. Officials with the state department said that Mississippi, which recently surpassed New Jersey in terms of the pandemic's highest death rate, will likely have enough funding to cover the demand. They also noted that there have been some difficulties moving treatments around this week.
What to Watch
The federal government secured at least 1.4 Million more doses of antibody treatment from Regeneron and 388,000 from Eli Lilly to ensure that the current shortages do not last. This was announced by the companies this week.
Continue reading
U.S. U.S. Limits Covid Antibody Treatments for All States as Shortage Fears Rise (Forbes).
Alabama Doctors Concerned by Federal Government Restrictions on Access to Covid Antibody Treatment (Forbes).
Kentucky warns vaccine hesitant against placing faith in key antibody treatment amid shortage (Forbes).
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