2-DG Drug For Covid-19
Source : Indian Express
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Why in News ?

Defence and Health Minister released the first batch of the indigenously developed anti-Covid-19 drug, 2-deoxy-D-glucose or ‘2-DG’.

Key Facts

• The national drug regulator, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), had cleared the formulation on May 1 for emergency use as an adjunct therapy in moderate to severe Covid-19 patients.
• 2-DG has been developed by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS) New Delhi a lab of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Hyderabad-based pharma company Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (DRL).
• Clinical trial data show that the molecule helps in faster recovery of patients hospitalised with Covid-19, and reduces their dependence on supplemental oxygen.
• The drug accumulates in virus-infected cells, and prevents the growth of the virus by stopping viral synthesis and energy production.
• Its selective accumulation in virally-infected cells makes this drug unique.
• 2-DG being a generic molecule and an analogue of glucose it can be easily produced and made available in large quantities.
• The drug is available in powder form in a sachet and can be taken orally after dissolving in water.
• The drug undergone three clinical test successfully since the first wave.

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