DCGI has given permission for the emergency use of the drug 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) for the treatment of COVID19. This drug is to be used only for hospitalized mild to moderate COVID19 patients. The drug is developed by collaboration of the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories. The drug comes in sachet form, to be dissolved in water and taken orally. The drug acts by mixing up with virus infected cells and thereby preventing virus growth by stopping viral synthesis and energy production. 

“It’s a selective accumulation in virally infected cells that make this drug unique. A higher proportion of patients treated with 2-DG showed RT-PCR negative conversion in COVID patients,” INMAS-DRDO said. 

According to INMAS-DRDO, results of clinical trial shows that this drug helps in faster recovery of hospitalized patients and reduces dependence on oxygen. This drug is expected to save valuable lives due to its mechanism of action (MOA). As it reduces the hospital stay, it will also help to lessen the load on health infrastructure.

As it is a generic drug and is easily available in our country hence, can be produced easily. The research was started in the first wave of pandemic last year April. Phase II trials were conducted on 110 patients in 17 hospitals. Results have shown a faster recovery and 2-3 days difference in normalizing the vital parameters. Clinical trial phase III results have shown improved conditions of patients significantly and reduced dependence on oxygen.