09 MAY 2021

ANTI COVID DRUG

The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted permission for emergency use of an anti-Covid-19 drug, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Hyderabad.

The drug comes in powder form in sachet which can be taken orally by dissolving it in water. The drug can be used as adjunct therapy in moderate to severe patients and accumulates in the virus infected cells and prevents the growth by stopping viral synthesis and energy production.

 The clinical trials have shown that the molecule helps in faster recovery and reduces the dependence on oxygen.

“ DCGI granted permission for emergency use of this drug as  adjunct therapy in moderate to severe Covid-19 patients. Being a generic molecule and analogue of glucose, it can be easily produced and made available in plenty in the country,” the Health Ministry released the statement.