Article Published In Vol.9 (Sept-Oct 2021)

Glucose Analogue (2-DG): A Novel Therapy for Covid 19

Author : Athira Roy, Krishnaveni K, Sambathkumar R

In India, 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose (2-DG) has been licenced for the treatment of active corona patients with moderate to severe symptoms. This novel glucose analogue could destroy cancer cells synergistically when combined with other effective cytotoxic drugs. Glucose provides energy to all of the cells in the human body. 2-DG inhibits glycolysis and ATP production by acting as an anti-glycolytic agent. Consumption of 2-DG creates starvation in high-glucose-using cells, which leads to autophagy. The similar anti-glycolytic property has led to its inclusion in a number of clinical trials to investigate its blocking mechanism in the pathogenesis of SARS Corona Virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). According to the trials, the drug can cause viral death and lessen oxygen dependency in active corona patients. However, the impact of 2-DG on healthy cells such as neurons is also a source of worry. The study collectively investigates into the anticancer, antiviral, and biological properties of 2-DG.

Keywords: COVID-19, 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose, SARS-CoV-2, Cancer