https://roy.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-roy-presses-biden-administration-answers-increased-restrictions-monoclonalArticle text:
WASHINGTON Today, Congressman Chip Roy (TX-21) sent a letter to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra inquiring about recent changes to the process for doctors to obtain monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatments for COVID-19.
"As you know, antibody treatments such as bamlanivimab, bamlanivimab/etesevimab, and casirivimab/imdevimab were approved under Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) and have been shown to be effective in treating COVID-19 patients. Providers across the country, including providers in Texas, have utilized these treatments, aiding in effective treatment of COVID-19 patients. Unfortunately, numerous doctors and healthcare professionals who serve COVID-19 patients are reportedly being denied or limited orders for these treatments by HHS," the letter reads.
However, on September 3, 2021, HHS, in an effort to "promote optimal and equitable use of the available supply of monoclonal antibodies," began restricting and regulating all orders of these treatments.
"The last thing HHS should be doing is impeding on providers' ability to best serve their patients, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic," Congressman Roy said of the letter. "This recent HHS order will further prevent doctors from being able to treat their patients and prevent their patients from receiving the care they need when they need it. The federal government should not be in the business of dictating healthcare; the American people deserve answers on why and under which authority HHS made this decision."
Full text of the letter is available here and below:
The Honorable Xavier Becerra
Secretary
Department of Health and Human Services
200 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20201
Dear Secretary Becerra,
I write to you today to inquire about the Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) recent update to COVID-19 monoclonal antibody (mAb) ordering process for all sites.
As you know, antibody treatments such as bamlanivimab, bamlanivimab/etesevimab, and casirivimab/imdevimab were approved under Emergency Use Authorizations (EUA) and have been shown to be effective in treating COVID-19 patients. Providers across the country, including providers in Texas, have utilized these treatments, aiding in effective treatment of COVID-19 patients. Unfortunately, numerous doctors and healthcare professionals who serve COVID-19 patients are reportedly being denied or limited orders for these treatments by HHS.
According to a notice of changes announced by the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) on September 3, 2021, HHS immediately implemented changes to "promote optimal and equitable use of the available supply" of these treatments. Further, the notice also indicates HHS is "limiting immediate orders and shipment only to administration sites with HHSProtect accounts and current utilization reporting" and "Reviewing all orders for alignment with utilization, currently estimated at 70% of orders.
These recent changes have appeared to have an immediate effect on the ability to expeditiously care for and treat COVID-19 patients. It is essential that providers have the freedom to choose what treatments are most suitable for their patients without interference or delays caused by your department.
Please provide answers to the following by October 14, 2021:
For what reasons, and by whom, was this change authorized?
Is there a current or expected shortage of any monoclonal antibody treatments in the U.S.?
If so, which treatments?
Nationally, how many doses of each antibody treatment, including bamlanivimab, bamlanivimab/etesevimab, and casirivimab/imdevimab, are currently available?
Your notice indicates this is a temporary change. If this is the case, when does HHS plan to revert to normal procedures for ordering these antibody treatments?
Under what regulatory or statutory authority is HHS operating under to limit and review orders or limiting these orders to sites with HHSProtect accounts?
Is HHS prioritizing providers with HHSProtect accounts for fulfillment of orders of mAb treatments?
Is HHS reviewing all U.S. provider mAb treatment orders?
Thank you for your attention to this important matter.
Sincerely,
Chip Roy
Member of Congress