FRISCO, Texas– Soleo Health, an innovative leader and national provider of complex specialty pharmacy services, announced today it was selected by Houston Methodist to provide monoclonal antibody therapy (mAb) to COVID-19 patients in their homes. Monoclonal antibody treatment is the most effective first-line therapy for otherwise hospital-bound patients. The hospital system is among the nation’s largest providers of mAb therapy and has a partnership with the U.S. Department of Human Services, supported by KPMG LLP, to expand access to COVID-19 monoclonal antibody treatment to underserved and disadvantaged patients in the greater Houston area.
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-made proteins that mimic the immune system’s ability to fight off harmful pathogens such as viruses. If administered within 10 days of onset of COVID-19 symptoms, the one-time therapy is effective in neutralizing the virus and preventing symptoms from worsening. The treatment is administered through intravenous infusion, delivering medication directly into a patient’s bloodstream. This new mAb therapy in-home treatment program with Soleo Health is particularly important among high-risk patients and within communities throughout the Greater Houston area where access to care can be limited. Treating patients in their homes is expected to contribute to a reduction in hospital admissions of COVID-19 patients.
“By teaming up with Houston Methodist to help patients receive therapy and stay in their homes, we are helping reduce the chance of increased infections and the spread of COVID-19 in a hospital setting. Our relationship with Houston Methodist allows Soleo Health to service a vulnerable population and prevent the spread of the virus. Contributing to the public health and safety of the Houston community is truly important to our company, which is also a Texas-based entity. We look forward to being part of the pandemic solution through this exclusive agreement,” said Shahram L. Badrei, Pharm.D, R.Ph, regional business leader at Soleo Health.
The Harris County/City of Houston COVID-19 threat level has remained at Level 1, the highest level, for several weeks as COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations fueled by the spread of the Delta variant and slowdown in vaccinations continues in the Houston area.
