India Launches World's First Once-Weekly Insulin

India has become one of the first countries to introduce Awiqli, the world's first once-weekly basal insulin approved for clinical use, offering a new treatment option for adults living with diabetes.

The launch comes as India continues to face one of the world's largest diabetes burdens, with more than 101 million people living with the disease and an estimated 136 million others affected by prediabetes.

Developed by Novo Nordisk, Awiqli—also known by its generic name, insulin icodec—is designed to simplify insulin therapy by reducing injections from 365 a year to just 52 while providing blood sugar control comparable to, or better than, conventional daily basal insulin.

Unlike traditional long-acting insulin, which requires daily administration, Awiqli is injected once a week on the same day using a pre-filled pen. The injection is administered under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm, with the dosage adjusted according to the patient's blood glucose levels.

For people with Type 1 diabetes, the treatment must be used alongside rapid-acting insulin taken with meals. Patients with Type 2 diabetes can use Awiqli either alone or in combination with other diabetes medicines, including mealtime insulin when necessary.

The medicine contains insulin icodec, a long-acting insulin that binds to the blood protein albumin, allowing it to remain active in the body for an entire week. It helps regulate blood glucose by enabling sugar to move from the bloodstream into body cells.

Novo Nordisk said the once-weekly treatment aims to reduce both the physical and psychological burden of insulin therapy, making it easier for patients to begin and maintain treatment.

The drug has already been approved in the United States, the European Union and several other countries.

In India, Awiqli is expected to compete with existing daily basal insulin products, including insulin glargine brands marketed by multinational and domestic pharmaceutical companies.

The launch comes as India's insulin market continues to grow rapidly. Industry estimates project the market to expand significantly over the coming years, driven by the increasing prevalence of diabetes, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets and genetic risk factors.

Health experts believe that a once-weekly insulin regimen could improve treatment adherence and long-term diabetes management for millions of people living with the disease.