Doctors are relying more on monoclonal antibodies to fight COVID — but not everyone can receive the therapy

Doctors across the United States are relying more on monoclonal antibodies as a powerful weapon against COVID-19. The lab-grown proteins help the body target and eliminate a COVID infection.

According to  Dr. Thomas Gullatt, the chief medical officer at St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, Louisiana, they've become one of the center's most effective therapies. "It's done a great job of helping high-risk patients stay out of the hospital," Gullatt told CBS News' David Begnaud. The therapy is becoming more available at hospitals and clinics across the country. Since July 1, Gullatt said St. Francis Medical Center has given about 1,700 doses. But not everyone can receive the therapy — it is only administered after infection, within ten days of the first symptoms, and before they get too severe.