The urgent need for rapid and dynamic responses during the COVID-19 pandemic have clearly highlighted the challenges and limitations of classical clinical product development pathways. While monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) with therapeutic potential can be isolated quickly following emergence of a new pathogen, the need for robust clinical testing and technical limitations of large-scale manufacturing of biologicals remain important barriers to prompt global access to such treatments. Still, the well-established collective safety profile of human mAbs have enabled expedited clinical testing with focus on efficacy, leading to early emergency use authorization, implementation, and accumulation of clinical experience for mAbs, compared to other SARS-CoV-2 specific drug classes. Using Sotrovimab as a case study example, we discuss the factors affecting development and clinical timelines for COVID-therapeutics, as well as various challenges faced during pandemic progression including emergence of new variants, sharp increases in demand, and need for simpler routes of administration. Finally, we also evaluate these concepts in the broader context of antivirals and the current treatment recommendations in Australia.