Vacation was ruined, but local man was first in line for new antibody treatment
Dr. Stephen Threlkeld’s practice, Threlkeld Infectious Disease, supervised the infusion of a synthetic antibody into patient Andy Shepherd, who’d tested positive for coronavirus. “It soups up our response against the virus sooner than we can do ourselves,” said Threlkeld. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian file)
Drug gives a super supply of antibodies, more than the body can make on its own. “I think it’s well worth the small amount of risk it takes,” says Andy Shepherd.
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Andy Shepherd bamlanivimab Eli Lilly and Co Dr. Scott Strome Dr. Stephen Threlkeld Baptist Memorial Health CareJane Roberts
Jane Roberts has reported in Memphis for more than 20 years. As a senior member of The Daily Memphian staff, she was assigned to the medical beat during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also has done in-depth work on other medical issues facing our community, including shortages of specialists in local hospitals. She covered K-12 education here for years and later the region’s transportation sector, including Memphis International Airport and FedEx Corp.
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