2-Deoxy-D-Glucose Covid Drug Released:
The first batch of the indigenously developed anti-Covid-19 drug, 2-deoxy-D-glucose or ‘2-DG’, has been released.
- 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.
About 2- DG:
- 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).
- 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.
- The molecule helps in faster recovery of patients hospitalised with Covid-19 and reduces their dependence on supplemental oxygen.
- 2-DG being a generic molecule and an analog of glucose, it can be easily produced and made available in large quantities.
