SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health has begun the use of a COVID-19 treatment drug: bebtelovimab. The FDA authorized the use of bebtelovimab on Feb. 11 and the intravenously injected drug is now one of several COVID-19 treatments available across Illinois. 

“This newest COVID-19 treatment authorized by the FDA will continue to move us forward as we co-exist with COVID-19,” said Dr. Ngozi Ezike, director of IDPH. “While vaccination and boosting are still the best protection against severe illness due to COVID-19, this new treatment, along with other previously authorized treatments, can help keep people out of the hospital.”

Bebtelovimab has been authorized to treat mild to moderate cases of COVID-19 as well as children who are at higher risk for severe COVID-19, according to the FDA.

If you test positive for COVID-19, health care providers will let you know if you’re eligible for a bebtelovimab treatment on request.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will oversee the distribution of bebtelovimab based on demand by the state. 

Over 300 pharmacies in Illinois offer therapeutics. Those without therapeutics who want to possess them can use a request form from IDPH.

Bebtelovimab is the latest in approved treatments across the state of Illinois alongside a monoclonal antibody treatment, two oral antivirals and the preventive drug Evusheld. 

For more information on these treatments, click here:

To find locations that have these treatments, click here: