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2-Dg for Covid - What Is It and How Does It Work?

 

2–deoxy—D—glucose

The DCGI (Drugs Controller General of India) has recently given approval to a drug 2-DG ( 2–deoxy—D—glucose)  for emergency use as an adjunct therapy in moderate to severe Covid-19 patients.

Work on this drug was conducted by INMAS (Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences) and the pharma company Dr Reddy's Labs.

What is 2-dg?

2-Deoxy-D- Glucose is a modified glucose molecule, modified in a manner that it cannot undergo Glycolysis (breakdown of glucose molecule to release energy and pyruvate). 

It has been in existence since a long time, and initial research on this molecule was conducted as long as sixty years ago.

How does it Work?

The drug works by concentrating in virus-infected cells.  

It is supposed to prevent the multiplication of the virus by stopping the growth of the virus. 

It selectively reaches viral affected cells.

It reduces the body's need for supplemental oxygen and patients can be weaned off earlier from external oxygen support. They were found to recover earlier as well.

Who does it help?

The drug has been approved for emergency use as an adjunct (in addition to primary therapy) therapy in moderate to severe cases of Covid-19.

It is not recommended for persons in home -care or those suffering from a mild form of the disease. It is only recommended for use in the hospital environment under the supervision of the medical team.

How is it taken?

The drug is available as a packet and has to be dissolved in water before consuming - so it has to be taken orally about two times a day. In a recent trial a single packet was split into two doses and given twice over a day after mixing with water.

 Any Side Effects?

There are likely dose-dependent side effects

- Cardiac abnormalities

- Elevation of blood sugar levels

A Game Changer ?

The drug is safe.

The scientific community has raised serious concerns about the data backing the recommendations especially about whether phase 2 and phase 3 were double-blinded studies.

Though the drug has been around for a long time and touted to be effective against treating cancers and epilepsy it does not have approval for its use for the same. 

If the recurring waves of the Covid infection have taught us anything, the most important lesson is to continue to follow safe social behaviour - 

- go out only if you have to

- stay at least six feet away from another human

- when going out be masked at all times, double masking in indoor setting

- use hand sanitizers when outdoors and wash hands with soap and water when returning home

Do not depend on any new wonder drug - safe behaviour is your best option.

Pic Courtesy - https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/drdos-2dg-medicine-to-treat-covid-19-availability-dosage-price-101621160474807.html

Location: New Delhi, Delhi, India

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