Residents in northwest Miami-Dade with underlying health conditions can participate in two free clinical studies in Miami Lakes the week of March 1.
Miami-Dade County Commissioner Rene Garcia and Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid have partnered with Elixia, a South Florida research company.
People age 18 and older may volunteer to test newly developed antibody treatments designed to fight or prevent the coronavirus.
The mobile clinic is operating from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. in the parking lot of Miami Lakes Methodist Church, 14800 N.W. 67th Ave., until Friday, March 5.
Garcia’s office said those who test positive for COVID-19 may be eligible to receive antibody therapy from Eli Lilly Company.
AstraZeneca preventative treatments may be available for those who have tested negative for the virus, Garcia said.
Halodine LLC makes products to sanitize the nose and mouth to help reduce the transmission of viruses and is also participating in the venture.
"Yesterday, we marked a milestone in the United States where 500,000 Americans lost their lives due to COVID, Garcia said during a press conference on Feb. 24. "And it's very sad and tragic. I think it's important for all of us to do our part to make sure we bring preventative treatment to our population and especially to northwest Miami-Dade County.”
Town of Miami Lakes spokeswoman Clarisell De Cardenas said the town is not involved in the project.
Cid said the antibody and therapeutic treatments give hope to people with underlying health conditions who don't yet have access to the coronavirus vaccine.
Cid said he won't take part in the studies or try the antibody treatment, saying that others need them more than he does.
"I will consider it but let's first get everybody signed up who really need this," he said.
Dr. Samuel Barone, president, and chief medical officer for Halodine, said its nasal swabs and liquids and mouth rinse and spray provide another layer of protection from the coronavirus for those using masks and gloves.
Residents may register for the clinical studies by calling 1-844-380-3793. For more information email info@elixiacrc.com, Garcia’s office said.
Shown in the photo above are Dr. Samuel Barone, president and chief medical officer for Halodine, Miami Lakes Mayor Manny Cid and Miami-Dade County Commissioner Rene Garcia. Photo courtesy of Mayor Manny Cid.