First batch of DRDO’s anti Covid-19 drug 2-DG released

The first batch of the 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) drug developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) for treatment of Covid-19 was released on Monday. The first and second batch of the drug, formally released by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, will be used in a limited manner and will be available in all hospitals from June onwards. 2-DG had received clearance for Emergency Use on May 1. Clinical trial results have shown that this molecule helps in faster recovery of hospitalized patients and reduces supplemental oxygen dependence. A higher proportion of patients treated with 2-DG showed RT-PCR negative conversion in COVID patients. The drug will be of immense benefit to the people suffering from moderate to severe COVID-19. The drug, developed by DRDO in collaboration with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories (DRL), comes in powder form in a sachet, which is taken orally by dissolving it in water. It accumulates in the virus infected cells and prevents virus growth by stopping viral synthesis and energy production. Its selective accumulation in virally infected cells makes this drug unique. In the ongoing second COVID-19 wave, a large number of patients are facing severe oxygen dependency and need hospitalization. The drug is expected to save precious lives due to the mechanism of operation of the drug in infected cells. This also reduces the hospital stay of COVID-19 patients. The defence Minister Singh expressed his confidence in the effective use of the drug. He said that the drug is a big example of India’s scientific prowess; he congratulated DRDO and the research and development department of the drug. Source: India News Network