Rajnath unveils first batch of anti-COVID drug developed by DRDO

New Delhi: The first batch of DRDO developed anti-COVID drug '2-deoxy-D-glucose' (2-DG) has been released by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and handed over to Minister for Health & Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan in New Delhi on Monday. One box each of the sachets of the drug was handed over to Director, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Dr Randeep Guleria and Lt Gen Sunil Kant of Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS). "More will be handed over to different hospitals across the country for emergency use," a press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on Monday mentioned.

An anti-COVID-19 therapeutic application of the drug 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) has been developed by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), a lab of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), along with Dr Reddy's Laboratories (DRL), Hyderabad.

Speaking on the occasion, Defence Minister congratulated DRDO and DRL, Hyderabad for manufacturing the drug that will help the COVID patients to reduce oxygen dependency and recover quickly. He described the drug as a perfect example of the country's scientific prowess and a milestone in the efforts towards self-reliance. "2-DG drug is a new ray of hope in these challenging times," said Singh, expressing confidence that the medicine will play a crucial role in winning the fight against COVID-19. He said the development and production of the drug is a shining example of a public-private sector partnership to help the nation in these challenging times. He further said when the situation improves, he would personally like to honour the scientists who played a major role in the development of the drug as they deserve credit for this achievement.

The Minister commended DRDO for setting up medical oxygen plants at various hospitals across the country under PM Cares Fund, besides constructing Covid hospitals, with ICU, oxygen and ventilators, in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Lucknow, Varanasi and Gandhinagar. Work is in progress to set up similar hospitals in Haldwani, Rishikesh, Jammu and Srinagar. He also appreciated the passion of retired AFMS doctors who have answered the nation's call and joined the medical fraternity in providing medical care to the needy.

He also underlined the important role being played by the Armed Forces in assisting the civil administration to tide over the current situation. He said, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy (IN) are working tirelessly to transport oxygen tankers, containers, concentrators and other critical medical equipment from within the country and abroad. He also highlighted the expansion of treatment facilities at military hospitals which are now being provided to civilians as well.

Singh also referred to the preparedness of the Armed Forces, saying that while they are providing support to the civil administration in fighting the second COVID-19 wave, they have not let their guard down.

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In his address, Dr Vardhan termed 2-DG as an important development by DRDO and DRL, Hyderabad that will reduce the recovery time and oxygen dependency in COVID-19 patients. He hoped that the drug will go a long way in defeating the virus in not just India but across the globe. He congratulated DRDO and its scientists for playing an important role in the fight against COVID-19.         

Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy expressed confidence that the anti-COVID drug will help the patients recover from the deadly virus, hoping that DRL, Hyderabad will take it forward and soon make the drug available for the patients. He also thanked Raksha Mantri for his continuous guidance and support.

Joining the event virtually, DRL's Chairman Kallam Satish Reddy said, "Dr Reddy's is glad to have partnered with DRDO and INMAS in the development of 2-DG. This is a re-affirmation of our company's efforts to address COVID through a host of therapeutics and vaccine."

Secretary (Health& Family Welfare) Dr Rajesh Bhushan and DG Health Services Dr Sunil Kumarwere also among the dignitaries who attended the event. Besides Chairman, DRL, Director, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology Dr Rakesh Mishra and many doctors, hospitals &labs across the country joined the event virtually.

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