Hyderabad: IICT, Lee Pharma sign deal for 2-DG synthesis to treat COVID patients

IICT is a constituent laboratory of CSIR and Lee Pharma, an integrated pharmaceutical company, based in Hyderabad

Recently, 2-DG developed by DRDO and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories has received approval for use in Covid-19 patients. It has been found to help speed up recovery and reduce oxygen dependence and Dr. Reddy's Laboratories has launched the drug in the form of sachets.

Lee Pharma informed that they would file the application for getting the approval from DCGI. Lee Pharma will manufacture and commercialize the 2-DG sachets from their formulation facility located at SEZ, Duvvada, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, which has the accreditations, by global regulatory agencies.

"CSIR has a role in developing 2-DG. CSIR-CCMB tested the drug on SARS-CoV-2 viral cultures. CSIR has been engaged in the development of drugs for the treatment of Covid-19 and has undertaken many clinical trials for repurposed drugs. Additionally, this agreement with Lee Pharma Ltd. is towards increasing affordable therapeutic options for treatment of Covid-19," said Dr. Srivari Chandrashekar, Director CSIR-IICT.

Raghumitra Alla, Director, Lee Pharma said API is part of a broader strategy for enhancing Covid-19 treatment options. "Further CSIR-IICT, Hyderabad is well-known for its high-quality research & development of various new molecules and we feel proud to be associated with them," he said.