DRDO's 2-DG anti-Covid drug
- First batch of the indigenously developed anti-Covid-19 drug, 2-deoxy-D-glucose or ‘2-DG’, has been released.
- The drug accumulates in virus-infected cells, and prevents the growth of the virus by stopping viral synthesis and energy production.
- Being a generic molecule and an analogue of glucose, it can be easily produced and made available in large quantities.
- Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), had cleared the formulation for emergency use as an adjunct therapy in moderate to severe Covid-19 patients.
- It has been developed by INMAS, a lab of DRDO in collaboration with Hyderabad-based pharma company Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (DRL).
- These molecule helps in faster recovery of patients hospitalised with Covid-19, and reduces their dependence on supplemental oxygen.