India has become one of the first countries to launch Awiqli, the world’s first once-weekly basal insulin approved for clinical use. Developed by Novo Nordisk, the new insulin therapy offers adults with diabetes an alternative to daily basal insulin injections.
The launch comes as India continues to grapple with one of the world’s highest diabetes burdens. According to a Reuters report, more than 101 million people in the country are living with diabetes, while an estimated 136 millionhave prediabetes.
How Is Awiqli Different From Daily Insulin?
Novo Nordisk said Awiqli, also known as insulin icodec, reduces the number of basal insulin injections from 365 per year to just 52. The company said the once-weekly insulin delivers blood sugar control that is comparable to—or in some cases better than—existing daily basal insulin therapies.
Unlike conventional basal insulin, which requires an injection every 24 hours, Awiqli is administered once a week on the same day using a pre-filled FlexTouch pen.
The injection is given under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm, with the dosage adjusted by doctors based on an individual’s blood glucose levels.
People with Type 1 diabetes must use Awiqli along with rapid-acting insulin taken at mealtimes. Those with Type 2 diabetes can use it alone or in combination with other diabetes medications, including rapid-acting insulin when required.
How Does Insulin Icodec Work?
The active ingredient in Awiqli is insulin icodec, a long-acting basal insulin designed to remain active in the body for an entire week. According to Novo Nordisk, insulin icodec binds to albumin, a protein found in the bloodstream. This slows the insulin’s release, allowing it to provide continuous background insulin support throughout the week. Like other insulin therapies, it helps move glucose from the bloodstream into body cells, reducing blood sugar levels.
The company also noted that many patients in India begin insulin therapy seven to nine years later than medically recommended due to fear of injections, anticipated pain, treatment complexity and concerns about long-term adherence.
Awiqli Price in India
Novo Nordisk has priced the 700-unit (1 ml) FlexTouch pen at Rs 2,611, which works out to Rs 3.73 per unit. According to the company, this makes Awiqli approximately 30–40 per cent cheaper per unit than currently available daily basal insulin options.
Patients beginning insulin treatment typically require around 10 units per day. Using Awiqli, the equivalent 70-unit weekly dose is delivered through a single injection rather than seven daily injections. At this dosage, the weekly insulin cost is approximately Rs 261. The larger 2,100-unit (3 ml) FlexTouch pen has been priced at Rs 7,833.
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