Hyderabad: The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), which developed 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), a drug used to treat COVID-19 patients, asked for the expression of interest (EoI) to transfer the technology to Indian pharmaceutical industry for production.
2-DG was developed by the Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), a laboratory of DRDO, in collaboration with Dr Reddy’s Laboratories.
Results of clinical trials have shown that this molecule accelerates recovery of hospitalized patients and reduces supplemental oxygen dependence.
A higher percentage of patients treated with 2-DG showed a negative conversion in RT-PCR COVID patients.
According to the EoI document, applications must be submitted by email before June 17th.
“The EOI submitted by industries will be examined by a TAC for technical assessment.
Only up to 15 industries will get ToT based on their capabilities, technical hand capability of DRDO and on a First Come First Served basis, ”it is said.
Bidders must have a drug license to manufacture, inter alia, active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) from drug licensing authorities and, inter alia, the WHO GMP (Good manufacturing Practices) certification.
Laboratory synthesis process for 2-DG was developed using D-glucose as starting material.
The synthesis process consists of the conversion of D-glucose to 2-DG by five chemical reaction steps followed by purification.
The process was determined on a scale (100 g) and pilot plant scale (500 g) and the necessary patents were filed by DRDO in this regard, the defense body said.
Source: Telangana Today