2-Deoxy-D-Glucose (2-DG)

2-Deoxy-D-Glucose (2-DG)

Subject – Science and Tech

Context – Granules India Limited has received licence from Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) to manufacture and market of 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose (2-DG)

Concept –

• Developed by DRDO, 2-DG has been granted permission by Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for emergency use of this drug as adjunct therapy in moderate to severe Covid patients.
• The drug accumulates in virus-infected cells, and prevents the growth of the virus by stopping viral synthesis and energy production. Its selective accumulation in virally-infected cells makes this drug unique.
• 2-DG halts the spread of COVID-19 inside the body cells.
• This drug reduces a patient’s average recovery time by two-and-a-half days and oxygen demand by up to 40 per cent.
• According to 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.