In the recent development, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) approved an anti-COVID oral drug for emergency use developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), in collaboration with Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, Hyderabad.
It is to be noted, amidst the first wave of COVID-19 scientists of INMAS and DRDO, with the help of Hyderabad’s Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) examined various tests and found that this molecule works effectively against the SARS-CoV-2 virus and inhibits viral growth. Following this, DCGI Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) granted permission for the phase-II clinical trial 2-DG in COVID patients in May 2020.
Scientists Dr Anant Narayan Bhatt and Dr Sudhir Chandna, INMAS-DRDO, spoke about the drug and maintained that the DCGI approved the emergency use of its therapeutic application as add-on therapy in moderate to severe COVID patients.
Reportedly, the drug is in powder form and is to be taken by dissolving it in water. It accumulates in the virus-infected cells and prevents virus growth by stopping viral synthesis and energy production. The clinical trial results have shown that this molecule helps in the faster recovery of hospitalised patients and reduces supplemental oxygen dependence.
(Internet inputs)