New Delhi: After Covaxin, the indigenously developed anti-Covid-19 drug, 2-deoxy-D-glucose or ‘2-DG’ is the most sought drug for its ability to contain spread of Coronavirus.
“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,” a govt release said.
Guidelines on how & when to use 2-DG medicine
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) on Tuesday released guidelines on how and when to use its anti-Covid medicine 2-Deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG) medicine.
The DRDO said that 2-DG medicine should be used under the supervision of a doctor. The oral drug for emergency use is an adjunct therapy to treat severe Covid patients. It reduces dependence on supplemental oxygen.
The 2DG medicine can be given to Covid-19 patients under the care and prescription of doctors. Directions for usage of this drug for Covid-19 patients as per DCGI approval are attached here for reference. For all queries regarding #2DG, please write to [email protected] pic.twitter.com/x19ayBoToG
— DRDO (@DRDO_India) June 1, 2021
The drug has been developed by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), a leading laboratory of the DRDO, in collaboration with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (DRL) in Hyderabad.
Here is how & When to use:
• The 2DG is approved for Emergency use as adjunct therapy to the standard of care in the treatment of Covid patients in the hospital settings.
• 2DG should be prescribed as early as possible by doctors for moderate to severe Covid patients for maximum duration up to 10 days.
• Uncontrolled diabetes, severe cardiac problem, ARDS (Acute respiratory distress syndrome), severe hepatic and renal impairment patients have not been studied yet with 2DG, hence caution should be exercised.
• 2DG should not be given to pregnant and lactating women and patients below 18 years.
The DRDO also said that patients and attendants are advised to request their hospital to contact Dr Reddy’s lab for medicine supply.
