Defence Minister Rajnath Singh & Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on May 17 released the first batch of the indigenously developed anti-Covid-19 drug, 2-deoxy-D-glucose or ‘2-DG’. Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) had cleared the formulation on May 1 for emergency use as an adjunct therapy in moderate to severe Covid-19 patients. As per the government release, clinical trial data show that the molecule helps in faster recovery of patients hospitalised with Covid-19 & reduces their dependence on supplemental oxygen. The drug accumulates in virus-infected cells & prevents the growth of the virus by stopping viral synthesis & energy production. Its selective accumulation in virally-infected cells makes this drug unique, the release said. “The drug will be of immense benefit to the people suffering from Covid-19,” it said. As per the government, 2-DG being a generic molecule and an analogue of glucose, it can be easily produced and made available in large quantities. The drug is available in powder form in a sachet, and can be taken orally after dissolving in water. Watch the video to know more.
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