DRDO’s 2DG Drug Accelerates COVID-19 Recovery
2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) is a groundbreaking drug developed specifically for the treatment of COVID-19. Conceived by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Science (INMAS), a laboratory under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), this medication has emerged as a beacon of hope during the pandemic. It is designed to accelerate the recovery process of patients afflicted with COVID-19 and to diminish their reliance on supplemental oxygen, addressing two critical challenges faced by those battling the disease. As an oral anti-COVID-19 therapeutic, it targets infected cells and impedes the virus’s energy supply, thereby mitigating the viral load in the body. The drug has garnered the endorsement of the Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI), marking a significant milestone in the fight against the coronavirus.
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Development of 2-deoxy-D-glucose
The development of 2DG was a collaborative effort between INMAS and Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories, a prominent pharmaceutical company. The drug was initially synthesized for cancer treatment, exploiting the fact that cancer cells have a higher glucose uptake than normal cells. Researchers repurposed the drug for COVID-19 after discovering that it could play a similar role in targeting the metabolism of the virus-infected cells. Preclinical studies were conducted to assess the safety and efficacy of 2DG, followed by clinical trials to determine its impact on COVID-19 patients.
Mechanism of Action
2-deoxy-D-glucose works by mimicking glucose molecules and getting preferentially taken up by virus-infected cells. Once inside, it inhibits the synthesis of viral proteins and growth by disrupting the glycolytic pathway, which is the process by which cells extract energy from glucose. By halting this energy production, 2DG effectively starves the virus within the host cell, curbing the virus’s replication and spread. This mechanism offers a targeted approach to treating COVID-19, with minimal effects on healthy cells.
Clinical Trials and Results
The clinical trials for 2DG were conducted in several phases, each designed to evaluate the drug’s safety and effectiveness in treating COVID-19. Phase II trials demonstrated significant improvement in the recovery of hospitalized patients, with a reduction in their dependence on oxygen. Following these promising results, Phase III trials further confirmed the drug’s benefits, leading to its emergency use authorization by the DGCI. The trials included a diverse group of patients, ensuring the drug’s applicability across different demographics affected by the virus.
Approval and Emergency Use Authorization
The DGCI granted emergency use authorization for 2DG after reviewing the data from clinical trials. This approval was based on the drug’s potential to alleviate the burden on the healthcare system by reducing patients’ hospital stays and the demand for supplemental oxygen, which was critically scarce during the peak of the pandemic. The authorization marked a significant achievement for the DRDO and its partners, providing a new tool in the arsenal against COVID-19.
Administration and Usage
2-deoxy-D-glucose is administered orally, which makes it convenient for patients to use. The drug comes in a powder form that is dissolved in water and consumed. Its ease of administration is a key advantage, allowing for its use in various healthcare settings, including home treatment for mild to moderate cases under medical supervision. The recommended dosage and treatment regimen are determined by health professionals based on the severity of the infection and the patient’s overall health condition.
Impact on COVID-19 Treatment
The introduction of 2DG has the potential to significantly impact the treatment landscape for COVID-19. By offering a treatment that can be taken orally and directly targets virus-infected cells, 2DG provides a strategic option for managing the disease, especially in cases where patients are experiencing severe symptoms. Its ability to reduce oxygen dependency is particularly valuable in resource-constrained environments and during surges in cases when hospital resources are stretched thin. The drug’s approval and subsequent use may pave the way for further research into similar treatments for viral infections, potentially transforming the approach to pandemic response in the future.