KNOW IT ALL: HOW DRDO’s ANTICOVID DRUG “2DG” HELPS IN FASTER RECOVERY AND REDUCE OXYGEN DEPENDENCE

Amidst the fight of pandemic, the oxygen shortage turned out to be a major concern to be tackled. Finally, such a drug called 2-DG is at rescue and being used as an adjunct therapy which not only helps in faster recovery of the hospitalised patients but also reduces oxygen dependence.

 WHAT IS 2-DG? 

2-DG drug name is derived from its composition molecule, 2- Deoxy-D-Glucose’ discovered by Institute of Nuclear Medicine & Allied Sciences (INMAS), a lab of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). 

DISCOVERY OF 2-DG

In April 2020, during the first wave of Coronavirus, where scientists were working their fingers to bone in the search for a cure, DRDO scientists in INMAS conducted many experiments with collaboration of  CCMB (centre for cellular and molecular Biology), Hyderabad.

They found a glucose analogue molecule that aids in keeping check on SARS Cov-2 and control its growth.

From may 2020 to October 2020, they conducted Phase-2 clinical trials, on moderate and serious covid patients from 27 covid hospitals in different regions. All patients benefited from its use and showed no side effects. As a result, they found that there is an exponential increase in the recovery rate of patients and during phase 3, the dependability of patients on ventilation and supplement oxygen decreased.

Higher proportion of patients treated with 2-DG resulted in negative RT-PCR.

Though it is found to be safe there is no evidence on the efficacy of the 2-DG drug.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The selective accumulation of drugs in virus-infected cells makes 2-DG unique and more effective.

The drug gets accumulated in virally infected cells and stops its viral synthesis and energy production (Glycolysis) thereby inhibiting the growth of the virus.

WHAT MAKES IT MORE FEASIBLE?

The new 2-DG drug is an analogue of glucose, hence it can easily be manufactured and be available. 

Apart from this, the preparation is available in the form of powdered sachets which can be dissolved in water and can be taken orally.

WHAT IS THE PRICE OF 2-DG?

Dr. Reddy’s Laboratory has decided Rs. 990 per sachet of DRDO’s 2DG anticovid19 drug.  And currently been released for emergency purposes on seriously ill patients.

DRDO chairman, G Sateesh Reddy stated that “Regular production will be starting from the Month of June and that will be available to everyone everywhere.”