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Anti-COVID drug developed by DRDO
The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted permission for emergency use of anti-COVID-19 therapeutic application of the drug 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG).
It is developed by Institute of Nuclear Medicine and Allied Sciences (INMAS), a lab of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Dr. Reddy's Laboratories (DRL),Hyderabad.
Being a generic molecule and analogue of glucose, it can be easily produced and made available in plenty in the country.
The drug comes in powder form in sachet, which is taken orally by dissolving it in water.
It accumulates in the virus infected cells and prevents virus growth by stopping viral synthesis and energy production. Its selective accumulation in virally infected cells makes this drug unique.
Science & Tech
RTI on MoU between ICMR and Bharat Biotech
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has refused to share a copy of its MoU with Bharat Biotech, and the amount spent on the development of Covaxin sought by a Right to Information application.
ICMR qualifies to be a public authority under the Section 2(h) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
ICMR has responded that the copy of the MoU and the amount spent on the development of the vaccine is third party confidential information under Section 8(1)(j).
Gov. Schemes
Indian Medical Association (IMA)
Indian Medical Association (IMA) asked the Central government to announce a national lockdown to help the healthcare infrastructure recoup and replenish.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) is a national voluntary organisation of Doctors of Modern Scientific System of Medicine, which looks or cares after the interest of doctors or the well being of the community at large.
It was established in 1928 as a society registered under The Societies Act of India.
The Indian Medical association is a founder member of the World Medical Association.
It is headquartered in Calcutta (Kolkata).
Polity