Anti-Covid Drug: 2-deoxy-D-glucose and Its Mechanism of Action

Abstract

2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) is a glucose analogue that has been found very effective for therapeutic use as an antiviral agent against SARS-CoV-2. This glucose analogue enters into the cell like a glucose molecule. In the cytosol, it is phosphorylated to 2-deoxy-D-glucose-6-phosphate by the action of the enzyme hexokinase. The 2-deoxy-D-glucose-6-phosphate cannot be further metabolized by phosphor-glucose isomerase, which leads to the accumulation of 2-DG-P in the cell and the depletion in cellular ATP. So the cell activates the cell death pathway. The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved for emergency use as an adjunct therapy in moderate to severe Coronavirus patients. The drug will help to save precious lives by the faster recovery of hospitalized patients and reducing oxygen dependence. It will lower down the burden on the health infrastructure of the country.