India is fighting with a more dangerous and infectious second wave of coronavirus. The health system of the country has collapsed due to a shortage of vaccines, drugs, oxygen supply, and other medical facilities. The pandemic has left the people of the nation helpless.
Amidst this helplessness, DRDO’s anti-corona drug is said to be a life-saver. Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) has approved the DRDO’S 2DG as an emergency covid drug. The government believes that the drug can help India to reduce the dependence on medical oxygen and will also help in the speedy recovery of patients.
How does the magic drug work
According to Defence Research and Development organization, when the drug, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), enters the body, it gets accumulated inside cells that are infected by the virus. Then it restricts the energy production and metabolic reaction of the virus and eventually stops it from multiplying. “Its selective accumulation in only virally infected cells makes it special,” says DRDO.
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How effective is the medicine
The drug is said to be a game-changer in the fight with coronavirus as it is easy to consume and easy to produce. It comes in powder form and is advised to be taken orally. The drug should be dissolved in water and then consumed.
It is observed in trials, 42% of patients who were provided two sachets of 2-DG drug daily, came off the oxygen support in a few days. It works effectively in moderate and severe coronavirus cases. The medicine is found effective in even patients above 65 years.
What is the price of Magic-drug
The cost of the medicine is not announced yet. According to sources, each sachet is anticipated to cost Rs 500-600. The Defence Research and Development Organization says that the medicine can easily be mass-produced and Dr. Reddy’s Lab who is DRDO’s industry partner has already started manufacturing the drug but in limited quantity, only for hospitals. Currently, the drug will not be available to the public.