Weekly insulin Awiqli launched in India, offers new hope for diabetes patients

Awiqli, a once-weekly basal insulin by Novo Nordisk, debuts in India, reducing injections from daily to weekly and offering a more convenient option for diabetes care Novo Nordisk has introduced Awiqli, the world’s first once-weekly basal insulin, in India, marking a significant milestone in diabetes care for the country’s large patient population. The Denmark-based pharmaceutical company’s new formulation, insulin icodec branded as Awiqli, is designed to replace the need for daily basal insulin injections and offer a more convenient option to people living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Unlike conventional basal insulin regimens that require 365 injections a year, Awiqli cuts this down to just 52, as patients take one injection per week instead of once every day. Doctors and experts say this reduced injection burden can ease psychological stress, improve adherence to treatment, and make it easier for patients who often delay or avoid insulin therapy due to fear of daily needles. Awiqli can be used by adult patients with both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, but only under strict medical supervision and on a doctor’s prescription. Specialists caution that insulin therapy should never be altered or initiated without professional guidance, as dosage and suitability depend on an individual’s overall health status and clinical evaluation. Also Read: Banashankari skywalk caught in official clash over future road plans In India, Awiqli has been priced at about Rs 261 per week, making it cheaper than several existing insulin options in the market. Given that approximately 10 crore people in India live with diabetes and around 60 lakh already use insulin, the weekly regimen is expected to make therapy more accessible and acceptable to many who find daily injections difficult to sustain. Experts note that India has one of the highest diabetes burdens in the world, and reluctance to start or continue insulin is a recurring challenge in management. With Awiqli, there is hope that more patients who fear frequent injections may be willing to shift to or remain on insulin, improving long-term outcomes. Even as the launch is being hailed as a revolutionary step, endocrinologists stress that Awiqli is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Suitability, dosing and monitoring must be personalised, and the new insulin should only be used after detailed consultation, as part of a broader treatment plan that includes diet, exercise and regular medical follow-up. Also Read: India’s GCCs emerge as ‘Second Headquarters’ in global leadership shift

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