2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG):
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2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) is an anti-Covid oral drug.
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It has been developed by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), a lab of DRDO in collaboration with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories(DRL).
How does a 2-DG drug work?
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The 2-DG comes in powder form in the sachet.
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It is taken orally by dissolving the powder in water.
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The drug accumulates in the virus-infected cells.
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Thereby, prevents virus growth by stopping viral synthesis and energy production.
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The selective accumulation of the drug in virally infected cells makes this drug unique.
Significance of this drug:
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The drug helps in the faster recovery of hospitalised patients. Further, it also reduces supplemental oxygen dependence.
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A higher proportion of patients treated with 2-DG also showed RT-PCR negative conversion in Covid-19 patients.
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Drugs Controller General of India(DCGI) has approved this drug for emergency use.