Amidst all the new cases of covid-19, and with the information of various medications for the treatment of this virus, a new drug has been found which helps speed up recovery and reduces the patient’s dependence on oxygen.

The drug 2DG (deoxy-glucose) has been developed by Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences-a lab of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Hyderabad.

The DCGI (Drug Controller General of India) granted the permission for emergency use of this drug in early May. The drug will be used as adjunct therapy for moderate to severe covid patients. The drug accumulates in the virus infected cells and prevents the growth of virus by stopping viral synthesis and energy production. This drug is very likely to work against all strains of corona, said Dr Satheesh Reddy-Chairperson DRDO.

The trials were conducted in 3 different phases. The patients showed faster symptomatic cure in the first 2 phases. With the 3rd trial cross several states, a significantly higher proportion of patients in the 2DG group improved symptomatically and became free from oxygen dependence. A similar observation came out in patients who were more than 65 years of age.

The drug can be easily manufactured since it is a generic molecule and analogue of glucose. It comes in powder form so it can be easily consumed by dissolving in water. Since it reduces oxygen dependency, it would also prevent black marketing of oxygen equipment as well. The price of the drug has not yet been revealed.

(source:indianexpress and ndtv)