The anti-covid drug 2-deoxy, developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will be launched today. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will distribute about 10,000 doses to some of the hospitals in Delhi.
This drug which is called 2-deoxy-D-glucose or 2-DG is developed by DRDO in partneship with the Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, which is a Hyderabad-based Pharmaceutical company. The drug has been approved for its emergency use by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).
In its phase 2 trials it was found effective against Covid-19, conducted from May to October last year. The drug helps in reducing oxygen dependence and in cutting short the hospital stay for the Covid patient.
In the medicine there is a presence of pseudo glucose molecule that prevents virus on its track, said DRDO. It is in its powder form that can be taken with water.
This 2-DG is one of those medicines which is solely developed to treat Covid-19 and comes in the category of few medicines across the world that helps in curing Covid-19. Although, many other drugs and procedures are also being used by the doctors to treat Covdid-19 patients –Ivermection, Remdesivir, steroids and plasma therapy.
However, on Saturday the AIIMS Director said that the misuse of steroids is causing the deadly fungal disease, Mucormycosis as it worsens the immunity in the patients who are active and cured Covid patients. “Misuse of steroids is a major cause behind this infection. Chances of fungal infection increase in the patients who are diabetic, Covid positive and those who are taking steroids. To prevent it, we should stop the misuse of steroids,” said Dr Randeep Guleria.
Over 3 lakh Covid-19 cases with thousands of deaths are being reported on a daily basis in India, causing the second wave more severe.
