Operation Warp Speed defends dosing for Lilly mAb, outlines distribution strategy

Trump administration officials Tuesday dismissed concerns that FDA may have authorized an ineffective dose of Lilly’s COVID-19 mAb and expressed confidence that bamlanivimab will have a substantial impact on the pandemic if and when healthcare systems come up with safe, effective ways to administer it.

In a briefing for reporters on Tuesday, Operation Warp Speed officials described a plan to allocate bamlanivimab to states and territories based on COVID-19 burden and population-based risk factors. The mAb will be infused initially at hospitals and hospital-affiliated facilities, with administration sites expanded after healthcare systems gain experience with the product. ...