2 deoxy D glucose by DRDO

In the current pandemic situation, there is one thing that we all are looking for that is the treatment for covid-19 infection and according to the latest update, the drugs controller general of India that is the DCGI has granted permission for the emergency use of the drug 2 deoxy d-glucose.

So let us understand about this anti-cover 19 therapeutic application of the drug 2-dioxide glucose.

The question that arises here is who developed this drug-

This drug was developed in partnership with Dr Reddy's laboratory in Hyderabad by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Research, a DRDO lab.

This drug is to be used as a supplemental therapy in moderate to severe covid-19 patients, this drug is not to be used in mild cases of covid-19 infection. 

What is 2-DG (2 deoxy D glucose)?

It is a generic molecule and analogue of glucose, which directly means that it is just the replica of the glucose which is there inculcated in our bodies. 

So basically, it can be easily produced and made available in abundance, the molecular formula of 2-d oxide glucose encompasses two hydroxyl the group replaced by hydrogen so that it cannot undergo further glycolysis. 

In this DRDO published image, you can trace the comparison between virus multiplication in covid-19 infections, the virus multiplication in a patient treated with 2 dg drug is very less.

On a similar mechanism, 2 deoxy D glucose was under clinical trial for cancer treatment along with chemotherapy.

If we try to understand about glycolysis, then we can say that glycolysis is a series of a reaction that extracts energy from glucose so when 2 deoxy D glucose is given to the patient it prohibits the cell growth. 

2 deoxy D glucose drops is extracted in a powder form in the sashing, it is consumed orally by dissolving it in water.

Now let us ponder about the working procedure of this drug- supposing, we are taking two types of the cells- one is virus-infected and the other one is a normal cell.

2 dg drug would only accumulate in the virus-infected cells and would prohibit the virus growth by terminating the viral synthesis and energy production.

Its specific concentration in virally infected cells defines its uniqueness.

Clinical trial results have shown that this molecule helps in faster recovery of hospitalized patients and reduces supplemental oxygen dependence so this 2 dg drug (2 deoxy D glucose) is believed to be showing a promising result.

History of 2 deoxy D glucose by DRDO

DCGI has authorised the use of a new drug developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) to handle Covid-19 in an emergency situation.

The DRDO has taken the initiative of creating this amazing anti- covid therapeutic application of 2 deoxy D glucose.

In April 2020, DRDO scientists and Hyderabad-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) found that this molecule works effectively against Covid.

Based on their work, the CDSCO permitted Phase-II clinical trials of 2-DG in Covid-19 patients in May 2020.

Reports say that in Phase-II trials between May and October 2020, the drug was found to be safe in Covid-19 patients.

The treatment has reflected a significant improvement in the patients' recovery time.

In the phase-II trial, they have conducted a trial on 110 patients.

• In Phase II-A: Trial was conducted in 6 hospitals.
• In the Phase II-B: (dose-ranging) clinical trial was conducted at 11 hospitals across the country successfully

Reportedly, in efficacy trends, the patients treated with 2-DG (2 deoxy D glucose) showed faster symptomatic cure than Standard of Care (SoC) on dynamic parameters and various endpoints and noticeably significant and favourable the trend were measured by the median time.

This is to achieve normalization of particular vital science parameters when compared to standard of care and based on the successful results the DCGI further permitted.

Based on these results the DCGI permitted phase III clinical trials in November 2020.

In phase III clinical trials, between December 2020 and March 2021- they have conducted a trial on 220 patients.

PHASE III CLINICAL TRIALS CONDUCTED ACROSS 27 COVID HOSPITALS ACROSS: 

1.Delhi

2.Uttar Pradesh

3.West Bengal

4.Gujarat

5.Rajasthan

6.Maharashtra

7.Andhra Pradesh

8.Telangana

9.Karnataka

10. Tamil Nadu

According to phase III results, a higher proportion of patients recovered symptomatically and were no longer dependent on supplemental oxygen.

Similar trends were observed in patients aged over 65 years as well.

According to the statement of Dr Anant Narayan Bhatt (Scientist, INMAS, DRDO) about the Drug is -

As per the basic principle of this drug, it will be very effective on different variants of the SARS-CoV2- Virus.

With the help of our industry partner Dr Reddy's Lab, we are trying our best to bring this drug into the market at the earliest.

Availability and Usage of 2 deoxy D glucose

On May 17, 2021, the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) launched an anti-coronavirus medicine, with Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh releasing around 10,000 dosages to hospitals in the national capital.

The 2 DG drug (2 deoxy D glucose) should be taken orally, mixed with water, twice a day. Patients with COVID-19 may need to take this medicine for 5-7 days to effectively reduce viral growth.

The pricing of the 2 DG medicine, which is being co-manufactured by Dr Reddy's Laboratories, has yet to be decided. However, the price will be kept as low as possible.

2-DG is a powder that comes in a sachet and is taken orally by dissolving it in water. The anti-viral drug builds up in infected cells and prevents the infection from spreading.

This drug which is 2 DG-glucose is a generic molecule and analogue of glucose that is readily developed and made available in plenty.

In RT-PCR tests, a higher proportion of patients infected with the drug tested negative for Covid.

Currently, Dr Reddy's is producing the drug in India.

According to my point of view, this news has bestowed a ray of hope for everyone and let's see how this drug (2 deoxy D glucose) is going to track its miraculous journey in curbing the tentacles laid by the COVID- 19.