The innovative therapeutic drug, which has been launched for use today (May 17) is also said to hasten recovery timelines. But how effective is it really? Can all COVID-19 patients take it? Here’s a brief explainer on the same.
What do we know about the drug, 2-deoxy-D-glucose?
2-deoxy-D-glucose is the first-ever ‘fully homegrown’ anti-COVID medicine which has been developed in India. According to researchers, it is one of the first therapeutic COVID-19 drugs which works to stop viral growth in the body, reduce the need for external oxygen.
The anti-COVID-drug, which is also referred to as ‘2DG’ has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s laboratory Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, in collaboration with Hyderabad based medicine-maker, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories.
Over 10,000 doses of the drug are likely to be made available starting this week.
The 2DG drug, which went through extensive clinical trials was approved for use after the apex body, Drugs Controller General of India granted nods on May 01.
Right now, while there are no specific anti-COVID drugs available in India, or globally, medicines like Remdesivir, Tocilizumab, Steroid drugs, Ivermectin, Hydroxychloroquine (until last year), Dexamethasone are being repurposed for use to tame the symptoms associated with the viral infection. However, their use, as well as availability has been brought to question in recent weeks. In a time like this, researchers believe that the 2-deoxy-D-glucose, therapeutic COVID drug offers much better use than the repurposed drugs.
How does it work in the treatment of COVID-19? How effective is it?
It should be noted that the medicine developed by DRDO is also a repurposed drug. However, clinical trials and research done so far have shown more effective results than other medicines used to treat COVID patients right now.
According to researchers, the drug, which was previously used to treat tumorous cancer cells contains the 2-DG molecule, which is a glucose analogue (i.e., not true glucose). The drug thus works by stopping the viral growth in the body upon infection/spread. Any virus needs glucose to survive and thrive. When the drug is injected into the body, it attaches itself to the virus and stops multiplication and further spread in the body, thereby working to control the complications and severity it can cause. Thus, in a unique manner, it works to tame down viral replication and energy synthesis.
Additionally, defence researchers, speaking to agencies have also said that the drug works in altering the body’s oxygen need when severe infection strikes. Since oxygen deprivation and demand fuel up when there’s a high viral spread in the body, the 2DG drug inhibits growth and reduces the body’s need for further oxygen as well.
As for the efficacy, extensive research has been carried out since last year. Clinical laboratory-based studies, as well as usage under hospitalized settings, have shown that the medicine showcased significant improvement in recovery timelines, achieved normalization of vital parameters in comparison to standards of care medicines (SoCs).
Trials were done on over 110 patients across Delhi, Maharastra, Telangana, West Bengal, Gujarat, Rajasthan also showed that the drug was able to curtail oxygen dependency by the 3rd day and may also reduce hospital stay considerably.
Does it work well against mutant strains and variants?
Mutant strains and variants of the virus are majorly responsible for the surge in cases right now, and may even fuel a future nationwide third virus wave. While there’s a crucial need for scaling up resources, researchers also believe that the application of this drug can majorly help patients in need, since it works against all mutant strains. According to Dr Anil Mishra, Director of the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, the drug functions by arresting any variant as a multiplying virus and deprives it of ‘food’ (glucose) to multiply and grow in the body. Thus, the drug can be effective in most cases.
Pricing and dosage
The drug, which is being jointly manufactured by Dr Reddy’s Laboratories is yet to be assigned a price tag. However, the price will be kept with affordability in mind and the first 10,000 doses will be rolled out for us this week.
The 2DG medicine is to be taken orally, mixed in water 2 times a day. COVID-19 patients may be required to take this drug for 5-7 days to completely stop viral growth.
Can all COVID-19 patients use this medicine?
Right now, the drug has been recommended for use in moderate to severe COVID-19 cases only. Patients suffering from mild infections, recovering at home may not need the drug, and can easily recover at home following due protocols.
Do remember that like many, this still is an experimental drug that has been given emergency use nods. The incessant use of the medicine (or any other drug), hoarding supplies without getting a go-ahead from your treating doctor will only invite problems.
The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for physician’s advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.
The DRDO’s (Defence Research and Development Organisation) newly launched anti-COVID medicine, 2-deoxy-D-glucose is being hailed as an innovative holy grail for COVID patients in India right now, who are currently battling for their lives and scouring for oxygen amidst a deadly grasp of the second wave of infections.The innovative therapeutic drug, which has been launched for use today (May 17) is also said to hasten recovery timelines. But how effective is it really? Can all COVID-19 patients take it? Here’s a brief explainer on the same.2-deoxy-D-glucose is the first-ever ‘fully homegrown’ anti-COVID medicine which has been developed in India. According to researchers, it is one of the first therapeutic COVID-19 drugs which works to stop viral growth in the body, reduce the need for external oxygen.The anti-COVID-drug, which is also referred to as ‘2DG’ has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation’s laboratory Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, in collaboration with Hyderabad based medicine-maker, Dr Reddy’s Laboratories.Over 10,000 doses of the drug are likely to be made available starting this week.The 2DG drug, which went through extensive clinical trials was approved for use after the apex body, Drugs Controller General of India granted nods on May 01.Right now, while there are no specific anti-COVID drugs available in India, or globally, medicines like Remdesivir, Tocilizumab, Steroid drugs, Ivermectin, Hydroxychloroquine (until last year), Dexamethasone are being repurposed for use to tame the symptoms associated with the viral infection. However, their use, as well as availability has been brought to question in recent weeks. In a time like this, researchers believe that the 2-deoxy-D-glucose, therapeutic COVID drug offers much better use than the repurposed drugs.It should be noted that the medicine developed by DRDO is also a repurposed drug. However, clinical trials and research done so far have shown more effective results than other medicines used to treat COVID patients right now.According to researchers, the drug, which was previously used to treat tumorous cancer cells contains the 2-DG molecule, which is a glucose analogue (i.e., not true glucose). The drug thus works by stopping the viral growth in the body upon infection/spread. Any virus needs glucose to survive and thrive. When the drug is injected into the body, it attaches itself to the virus and stops multiplication and further spread in the body, thereby working to control the complications and severity it can cause. Thus, in a unique manner, it works to tame down viral replication and energy synthesis.Additionally, defence researchers, speaking to agencies have also said that the drug works in altering the body’s oxygen need when severe infection strikes. Since oxygen deprivation and demand fuel up when there’s a high viral spread in the body, the 2DG drug inhibits growth and reduces the body’s need for further oxygen as well.As for the efficacy, extensive research has been carried out since last year. Clinical laboratory-based studies, as well as usage under hospitalized settings, have shown that the medicine showcased significant improvement in recovery timelines, achieved normalization of vital parameters in comparison to standards of care medicines (SoCs).Trials were done on over 110 patients across Delhi, Maharastra, Telangana, West Bengal, Gujarat, Rajasthan also showed that the drug was able to curtail oxygen dependency by the 3rd day and may also reduce hospital stay considerably.Mutant strains and variants of the virus are majorly responsible for the surge in cases right now, and may even fuel a future nationwide third virus wave. While there’s a crucial need for scaling up resources, researchers also believe that the application of this drug can majorly help patients in need, since it works against all mutant strains. According to Dr Anil Mishra, Director of the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, the drug functions by arresting any variant as a multiplying virus and deprives it of ‘food’ (glucose) to multiply and grow in the body. Thus, the drug can be effective in most cases.The drug, which is being jointly manufactured by Dr Reddy’s Laboratories is yet to be assigned a price tag. However, the price will be kept with affordability in mind and the first 10,000 doses will be rolled out for us this week.The 2DG medicine is to be taken orally, mixed in water 2 times a day. COVID-19 patients may be required to take this drug for 5-7 days to completely stop viral growth.Right now, the drug has been recommended for use in moderate to severe COVID-19 cases only. Patients suffering from mild infections, recovering at home may not need the drug, and can easily recover at home following due protocols.Do remember that like many, this still is an experimental drug that has been given emergency use nods. The incessant use of the medicine (or any other drug), hoarding supplies without getting a go-ahead from your treating doctor will only invite problems.
Feeling a little stressed? Three out of four Americans feel the same way. With work, financial, and family demands, stress continues to dictate daily life. What’s worse, doctors agree that stress can be the underlying cause of several diseases. And over 70% of Americans get physical reactions to stress. So what’s the fix?
Keeping cool with vitamins
Healthcare professionals often suggest exercise or therapy. Surprisingly, vitamins are a powerful ally in the fight against stress. The body needs these compounds for optimal health. And as the body does not create vitamins, the required amounts come from diet and supplementation. And these 4 vitamins may impact stress levels as well.
1. Stress B gone!
B vitamins are crucial for the proper health and balance of the body. Some of the 8 B vitamins can also impact emotional health. Vitamin B1, or thiamine, is often known as the anti-stress vitamin. Using B1 is key to improving mood and treating depression. Using B3, B9, and, in particular, B12, improves mood, a healthy nervous system, and brain health. A 2014 study showed taking B vitamins had a positive impact on occupational stress. While many B vitamins can be found in food, a B-complex supplement can provide a much-needed energy boost.
2. Vitamin C your stress away
Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, gets credit for fighting colds. But vitamin C can also help improve stress and anxiety. In a controlled study, students with anxiety who took vitamin C showed decreased levels of stress and anxiety. The antioxidant properties help the body control cortisol levels, which triggers stress. Getting a daily dose before the day can keep stress at bay.
3. Dial D for relaxation
An estimated 1 billion people have vitamin D deficiencies worldwide. Vitamin D helps bone, teeth, and brain development. This begs the question; is a deficiency one of the factors for stress? Studies show a relation between vitamin D deficiency and acute stress. Even patients with depression have low vitamin D levels. Getting a dose of the sunshine vitamin could significantly improve psychological well-being.
4. Vitamin E keeps free radicals in check
The fat-soluble vitamin E has treated hair and skin issues for years. Like vitamin C, vitamin E has antioxidant properties that can help combat stress. Stress hurts not only emotional health but the body as well. The body uses excess nutrients in stressful situations. This creates free radicals and oxidative stress. Vitamin E suppresses these free radicals, reducing stress, and improving overall health.
Manage your stress with vitamins
Getting through the day can be overwhelming. Taking care of mind and body with diet and exercise is the first step for a stress-free life. But vitamins can turn the tide for good. Start with a high-quality B-Complex, C, D or E vitamin to feel more relaxed and in control. Speak with a pharmacist to learn more about what vitamins can help reduce stress.
In yet another fascinating discovery, the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has reportedly found a compound in herbal plants that may help in treating patients suffering from COVID-19. According to B N Tripathi, who is the deputy director-general (animal science) of the ICAR, these herbal plants which are being used in several Ayurvedic medicines in the country, gave the scientists at National Research Centre on Equines (NRCE) encouraging results against many viruses. The Scientists of the Hisar-based institute used the chicken coronavirus to test the efficacy and antiviral effects of a certain herbal extract. After finding encouraging results, medical experts believe that it has the potential to treat novel coronavirus after being repurposed.
The root and berry of the ashwagandha plant are a traditional Ayurvedic medicine in India. Ashwagandha is used as a tonic (it is sometimes referred to as the “Indian ginseng”) to improve physical and mental health and to treat a number of specific conditions.
Why do people take ashwagandha?
There’s some early evidence that ashwagandha affects the immune system and helps reduce swelling, from both arthritis and fluid retention. However, the practical benefits and risks for people aren’t clear yet.
One study found that a compound containing ashwagandha helped relieve osteoarthritis symptoms. It’s not clear which of the ingredients had the benefit since ashwaganda is traditionally used in combination with other herbs. Ashwagandha might help lower blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes and lower high cholesterol. Since ashwagandha has sedative effects, it could help ease anxiety and stress — in fact, human studies have indicated as much. There is some preliminary research that it may help with epilepsy and memory loss, but these results are too early to say for sure if it could benefit humans.
Some lab tests of cancer cells have found that ashwagandha might slow down their growth. Animal studies have found that ashwagandha could boost the effects of radiation therapy. However, these are early results. It isn’t known if ashwagandha will help people with cancer.
People use ashwagandha for other health conditions, including anemia. It is high in iron and has been shown to help increase hemoglobin levels. For many of the other purported uses, there isn’t evidence to support ashwaganda’s benefits.
How much ashwagandha should you take?
There is no standard dose of ashwagandha. Some people use between 1 to 6 grams of the whole herb daily. Others mix 3 grams of ashwagandha powder in warm milk. There are also standardized extracts available. Ask your doctor for advice about forms of ashwagandha and doses.
Can you get ashwagandha naturally from foods?
In some parts of the world, people eat ashwagandha shoots, seeds, and fruit.
What are the risks of taking ashwagandha?
- Side effects. Since ashwagandha has not been well-studied, we don’t know all of its side effects. Large doses can cause upset stomach, diarrhea, and vomiting.
- Risks. Talk to a doctor before using ashwagandha if you have any health conditions, including cancer, diabetes, thyroid problems, bleeding disorders, ulcers, lupus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. Ashwagandha might interfere with thyroid tests. Stop taking ashwagandha two weeks before surgery.
- Interactions. If you take any drugs or supplements regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using ashwagandha supplements. They could interact with sedatives, blood thinners, thyroid supplements, drugs that suppress the immune system, and drugs for anxiety, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Ashwagandha might also interact with supplements that cause sleepiness, like St. John’s wort, kava, valerian, and others.
Given the risk of miscarriage, pregnant women should not use ashwagandha. Women who are breastfeeding should also not use the herb.
