In a moment of relief, the first stock of DRDO-crafted anti-COVID drug, 2-DG (2-deoxy-D-glucose) was flagged off earlier this week, for COVID affected individuals. Developed by associative efforts of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), a lab of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (DRL), the first consignment of the drug was made public amidst the esteemed presence of Defence Minister and Health Minister.
How does the drug work?
The drug comes in powder form in a sachet and has to be taken with water. It collects in the cells infected by the virus and prohibits viral development by damaging synthesis and energy production. With its unique ability to detect the affected cells and act on them, 2 DG significantly helps COVID patients. Reports state that the drug reduced the time of recovery and a median difference of 2.5 days was observed in the relaxation of major symptoms.
10,000 doses to distributed across Delhi Hospitals in the first round
At the inaugural function, the medicine was given by the Defence Minister to the Health Minister, who later transferred it to the Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) director Randeep Guleria. As a part of the first round of disbursement, some hospitals across Delhi will receive the drug and a total of 10,000 doses will be distributed. Given the extraordinary situation of the pandemic, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) gave emergency approval for the drug last week.
It is expected that the drug would revamp the process of treatment by aiding the process of a quick recovery for patients under hospital care behind reducing the dependence on oxygen. During the clinical trials, the drug effectively helped a large number of patients and they tested RT-PCR negative soon.
Phase 2 trials for the drug conducted from May to October 2020
The efficacy of the drug was concluded from the phase 2 trials conducted between May and October last year and now, it will be administered to sick patients. During the first wave of accelerated infections, INMAS-DRDO scientists held laboratory experiments with the help of Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad in April last year. There, it was discovered that the drug is effective in clamping viral development and can work against SARS COV-2.
On the basis of these findings, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) allowed Phase-II clinical trial of 2- DG in Covid-19 patients in May 2020. Safety and efficacy trials were started by DRDO in association with its industry partner DRL, Hyderabad. Phase-II was held in six hospitals and Phase IIb (dose ranging) clinical trial was organised at 11 hospitals all over the country. after testing the drug on 110 patients, it was found that 2 DG effectively helps in controlling the infection and improving the recovery.
– With inputs from IANS
