CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The anti-COVID-19 therapeutic application of the drug 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) has been developed by 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.

Detailed explanation-2: -2-Deoxy-d-glucose (2-DG) is a glucose analogue, which has the 2-hydroxyl group replaced by hydrogen. 2-DG is transported in cells by the glucose transporters on the cell membrane but it cannot undergo further glycolysis and act as inhibitor of glycolysis.

Detailed explanation-3: -For instance, in a positron emission tomography (PET) scan study, 2-DG is commonly used as a chemical dye. When a PET study is done in a patient with suspected cancer, 2-DG is preferentially taken up by tumor cells in an excessive amount due to the high metabolic rate.

Detailed explanation-4: -Remdesivir may be prescribed for people who are hospitalized with COVID-19 and need supplemental oxygen or have a higher risk of serious illness. It’s given through a needle in the skin (intravenously). The FDA has authorized for emergency use a drug called Paxlovid.

Detailed explanation-5: -COVAXIN®, India’s indigenous COVID-19 vaccine by Bharat Biotech is developed in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Institute of Virology (NIV).