The scariest part about coronavirus is that it has no cure. All healthcare workers can do is treat the symptoms of the COVID-19 patient. While several vaccines are being administered across the world, they cannot fully protect us—only prevent severe illness. However, we now have a new ray of hope when it comes to treating coronavirus cases—a drug that directly treats the virus.
Recently, the Drug Controller General of India approved an anti-COVID oral drug for emergency use as an adjunct therapy. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Dr Reddy’s lab, it is called 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG). After phase 3 trials of the drug, it has been found to be effective in faster recovery of hospitalised patients and reduces their oxygen dependence.
Everything We Know About The New Drug
Given that the country is struggling with the second wave of the virus, with healthcare systems crippled, a lot of our hopes are pinned on the success of 2-DG. Here’s everything we know about this new drug:
1. Speeds Up Recovery
2-DG will help in faster recovery of COVID-19 patients who are hospitalised.
2. Reduces Oxygen Dependence
The drug ensures that COVID-19 patients do not need oxygen supplementation.
3. Effective On Elderly Patients
The drug is expected to be effective on patients over the age of 65 years.
4. Works On All Variants
According to DRDO scientist Dr Anant Narayan Bhatt, the drug is expected to be effective on different variants as well.
5. Easy To Produce
2-DG can be produced in bulk in the country, as it is a generic module and analogue of glucose.
6. Stops The Growth Of The Virus
2-DG works by accumulating in the cells affected by the virus and stopping the growth of the virus. It stops viral synthesis and energy production.
7. Patients Can Take It Orally
2-DG comes in powder form inside sachets. The patients will have to take it orally after dissolving it in water.
8. It Will Be Readily Available Soon
Currently, the drug has only been approved for emergency usage. However, Dr Anant Narayan Bhatt said efforts are on to bring the drug to the market in collaboration with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, and will be available ‘soon’.
While our current situation is extremely stressful, it seems like there might be light at the end of this tunnel. Here’s hoping this new drug is the breakthrough we all desperately need!
Also Read: Oxygen Cylinders vs. Oxygen Concentrators: Here Is Everything You Need To Know
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