World’s First Once-Weekly Insulin Debuts in India, Offering New Hope for Diabetes Patients.
India has become one of the first countries to introduce Awiqli (insulin icodec), the world’s first and only once-weekly basal insulin for adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Launched by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk, the new therapy is expected to simplify diabetes management by reducing insulin injections from 365 a year to just 52.
A Simpler Alternative to Daily Injections
Unlike conventional basal insulin, which is administered every day, Awiqli requires just one injection each week using Novo Nordisk’s FlexTouch pen device.
The company said the treatment is designed to overcome one of the biggest barriers to insulin therapy—fear of daily injections—which often causes patients to postpone starting insulin for several years.
Significance for India
The launch is particularly important for India, which has one of the world’s largest diabetes burdens.
According to estimates:
Around 10.1 crore people in India live with diabetes.
Nearly 13.6 crore people have prediabetes.
More than 9 lakh people have Type 1 diabetes and depend on insulin for survival.
About 10 per cent of Type 2 diabetes patients eventually require insulin therapy to control blood sugar levels.
Experts believe a once-weekly insulin could improve treatment adherence and encourage patients to begin insulin therapy earlier.
Clinical Benefits
Novo Nordisk said clinical studies under its ONWARDS programme found that Awiqli provided:
Greater reduction in HbA1c levels than once-daily basal insulin.
Better time spent within the target blood sugar range.
A safety profile comparable to daily insulin therapy.
Higher rates of patients achieving recommended blood sugar targets without increasing the risk of hypoglycaemia.
Experts Say It Could Improve Adherence
Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk India, called the launch a milestone for diabetes care, saying once-weekly dosing has the potential to reduce both the physical and psychological burden of insulin therapy.
Endocrinologist Dr S.K. Wangnoo said many patients delay insulin because of injection anxiety, treatment complexity and poor adherence. He believes a once-weekly option could help address these longstanding challenges and improve diabetes management outcomes.
A Step Forward in Diabetes Care
Novo Nordisk, which already markets leading insulin brands such as Mixtard and Ryzodeg in India, said the introduction of Awiqli represents a major innovation in diabetes treatment.
With millions of Indians requiring long-term insulin therapy, the once-weekly regimen is expected to make treatment more convenient, improve patient compliance and help achieve better blood sugar control, potentially transforming diabetes care across the country.
Comments are closed.