2Dege Oral Powder is the first Indian origin anti-Covid medication to receive emergency use approval for the acute treatment of moderate to severe COVID-19.

Introduction:
2Dege Oral Powder, also referred to as '2-DG', has been developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with Hyderabad based Dr Reddy's Laboratories (DRL). Initial experiments with this medicine were conducted during the first wave of the pandemic which demonstrated effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 virus. Based on this, phase II and phase III clinical trials were conducted. The data from these showed that a significantly higher number of COVID-19 patients who were treated with 2-DG improved symptomatically and became free from supplemental oxygen dependence as compared to those being given standard care. Additionally, the medicine was found to be safe.

Dosage Form:
Powder

Side Effects:

• No common side effects listed.

How to Use:
Use this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label for directions before use. 2Dege Oral Powder may be taken with or without food but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How it Works:
2Dege Oral Powder is a medicine that resembles glucose structurally and is used to kill the virus causing Covid-19. The virus utilizes glucose to produce energy and this energy is used by it to make copies of itself. Once given 2Dege Oral Powder is readily absorbed by the ‘virus-infected cells’ as the virus takes it up just like glucose. On reaching the infected cells the medicine stops energy production inhibits further multiplication of the virus and kills it. This helps in clearing the infection even if it has spread to the lungs and reduces the requirement of supplemental oxygen in moderate to severely infected Covid-19 patients.

Quick Tips:

• 2Dege Oral Powder helps in faster recovery of hospitalized COVID-19 patients and reduces supplemental oxygen dependence.
• This medicine is to be used only in moderate to severe COVID-19 cases.
• The medicine comes in powder form in a sachet which is taken orally by dissolving it in water twice a day. However it should be consumed only on the advice of a doctor.
• A COVID-19 patient may have to take this drug for five to seven days to get completely cured.
• 2Dege Oral Powder currently is not meant to be given to children as safety and efficacy are not yet established.