Amidst Cytokine Storm in Metabolic Diseases: Can 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) Cure COVID-19?

The SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2)-related pandemic disease COVID-19, which began in China in 2019, became the leading cause of fatalities globally. The transmission rate of the virus is directly proportional to the so-called ‘dance dynamic’ energy of the spike protein as this phenomenon favours the ligand-receptor binding. The clinical spectrum of the COVID-19 disease, which includes (inflammation, cytokine storm, and multi-organ dysfunction), puts Corona Warriors active in various aspects of the disease, such as the efficient management of critically ill COVID-19 patients, in danger of losing their lives. Due to its effects on an ancient oxygen- independent glycolytic pathway, anti-inflammatory properties, and competitive interaction with viral proteins, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), which is being developed in India at the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO), has emerged as a ground-breaking agent for COVID-19 treatment. After a virus gains entry into host cells, it is found that metabolic reprogramming takes place to meet the nutritional and energy requirements for virus reproduction. The recent approval of 2-DG for adjunctive emergency usage by the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) may mark a turning point in the management of mild to moderate COVID-19 infection.