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India has commercially launched ‘Awiqli’, a once-weekly insulin for adults with diabetes, offering patients an alternative to daily insulin injections.
Developed by Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk, the new insulin allows patients to receive a full week’s insulin dose with a single injection.
Awiqli is designed to help control blood sugar levels in people with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It is administered once a week using a FlexTouch pre-filled pen, providing a steady and continuous supply of insulin throughout the week to maintain stable glucose levels.
According to a Reuters report, India has one of the world’s largest diabetes burdens, with more than 101 million people living with diabetes and about 136 million others in the pre-diabetic stage.
Novo Nordisk said the generic name of the drug is insulin icodec. Patients using it will need only 52 injections a year instead of the 365 required with daily insulin, while achieving blood sugar control comparable to conventional daily insulin.
The insulin is injected under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm once a week on a fixed day using a pre-filled pen device. The dosage is determined based on the patient’s blood glucose levels.
People with Type 1 diabetes will still need to take a rapid-acting insulin at mealtimes alongside Awiqli, while those with Type 2 diabetes can use it either alone or in combination with other diabetes medications.
The insulin binds to the blood protein albumin, allowing it to remain active in the body for an entire week.
Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk India, said India has become the seventh country in the world to approve and launch Awiqli. He said the product is expected to reduce both the physical and psychological burden associated with insulin therapy.
The medicine has already been approved in several countries, including the United States and the European Union.
In India, Awiqli will compete with Sanofi’s Lantus as well as daily insulin products made by domestic companies such as Biocon, Eris Lifesciences and Lupin.
According to IMARC, India’s insulin market is projected to grow from $665 million in 2025 to $916.4 million by 2034.
With diabetes cases rising due to sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy diets and genetic factors, the once-weekly insulin is expected to improve treatment adherence and make long-term diabetes management easier for patients.