Dr Reddy’s Laboratories had developed 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) as an anti-Covid-19 drug in association with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It has warned the public against fake or illegal products in the name of 2DG.

Recently, Dr Reddy’s and DRDO have announced that an antiviral drug was used to help in speedy recovery and reduce the oxygen dependence for hospitalised patients. This has given hopes amidst the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic, especially in hospitalised patients who need external oxygen support.

On Monday, during the release of the 1st batch of the antiviral drug 2DG, the companies said that the drug accumulates in virus infected cells of the patient and then prevents the further growth of the virus by obstructing the viral synthesis and energy production.

The Hyderabad headquartered pharmaceutical firm said in a Tweet that the orally administered powder is not yet launched into the market and the price per sachet has not been announced yet.

As per the company, it has received 2DG emergency use approval for therapeutic use in COVID-19 in India. Dr Reddy’s has urged the public to be careful of agents selling fake or illegal products in the name of 2DG and also to be careful of unconfirmed messages related to 2DG on social media platforms. The commercial launch and supply of 2DG to main government and private hospitals is projected to commence in mid-June 2021.

The company also said that the price is determined with a view to make it accessible and affordable to a large number of patients and it will be announced shortly.

2DG is an oral antiviral drug that is administered only to hospitalized moderate to severe COVID-19 patients as an adjunct therapy along with the existing standard of care only on prescription.

Source: ET Healthworld