In a major breakthrough against the corona virus infection, a drug developed by the Defence Research and Development Organization, DRDO got the approval for emergency use by the Drugs Controller General of India, DCGI. Amid the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic, this drug will prove to be beneficial for the patients who are suffering from COVID-19. The drug 2-deoxy-D-glucose comes in powder form in sachet, which needs to be taken orally by dissolving it in water. It accumulates in the virus infected cells and prevents virus growth by stopping viral synthesis and energy production. Its selective accumulation in virally infected cells makes this drug unique.<br />'' <br />''The drug has been developed by one of the DRDO labs, Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences, INMAS in collaboration with Dr. Reddy's Laboratories. Results of clinical trials have shown that this molecule helps in faster recovery of hospitalised patients and reduces supplemental oxygen dependence. DCGI granted permission for emergency use of this drug as adjunct therapy in moderate to severe Covid patients. Being a generic molecule and analogue of glucose, it can be easily produced and made available in the country.<br />'' <br />''Speaking exclusively to AIR News, Director General, Life Sciences at DRDO Headquarters, Dr. Ajay Kumar Singh said that supplementary oxygen dependency of COVID patients decreased significantly after usage of 2-deoxy-D-glucose and it also reduced their duration of Hospitalisation. Dr. Singh said, stepping out of its domain DRDO has done yeoman service during the COVID pandemic.<br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">Listeners can tune in to AIR FM Gold Channel at 9.15 p.m. tonight to listen to the complete interview with DG, Life Sciences, DRDO, Dr. Ajay Kumar Singh on this break through development in our feature programme SPOTLIGHT.</span><br />