- 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) is a glucose analog that was developed as an oral drug for COVID-19 by India's Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO). - Clinical trials showed 2DG is effective against COVID-19, reducing recovery time and supplemental oxygen dependence for moderate patients. - The drug works by inhibiting glycolysis and ATP production within viral cells, blocking synthesis of viral structural components and potentially directly destroying them. No significant side effects were observed during trials.