DRDO's anti-Covid drug 2-DG found effective against all variants, says new study

A new study claims that DRDO's anti-Covid drug 2-DG is effective against all Covid-19 variants.As per the study, 2-DG reduces the multiplication of SARS-CoV-2 and alleviates the cells from infection-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) and cell death. The study suggests that the drug can be used in the treatment regimen.

Based on these preliminary in-vitro findings, the molecule is now being moved for clinical trials in Covid patients. The study, published on June 15, has not yet been peer-reviewed.

The drug, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, received approval for emergency use in moderate to severe cases of Covid-19 in May.

Clinical trials of 2-DG found that it enables faster recovery of hospitalised Covid-19 patients and reduces their supplemental oxygen dependence. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories has launched 2-DG in the form of sachets. The first batch of the oral drug was released on May 17.

Two weeks ago, DRDO issued directions on the usage of its 2-DG drug on Covid-19 patients, stating that caution should be exercised while prescribing this medicine to people who have comorbidities such as uncontrolled diabetes, severe cardiac problem and acute respiratory distress syndrome.