In a landmark breakthrough for diabetes treatment, India has become one of the first countries to introduce the world’s first once-a-week basal insulin, offering fresh hope to millions of people living with diabetes. Danish pharmaceutical major Novo Nordisk on Thursday launched Awiqli (insulin icodec) in India, a therapy that replaces the need for daily basal insulin injections with just one injection every week.
The launch is being hailed as a potential game changer in diabetes management, particularly in India, which has one of the world’s largest diabetic populations. Medical experts believe the innovation could improve treatment adherence, reduce the burden of frequent injections and encourage patients to begin insulin therapy earlier.
A Major Shift in Diabetes Treatment
Unlike conventional long-acting insulin that requires daily administration, Awiqli is designed to provide stable blood sugar control through a single weekly injection. For eligible patients, this means the number of insulin injections could fall dramatically—from 365 injections a year to just 52.
The drug has been approved for adults with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, although doctors stress that patients should use it only under medical supervision and after proper dose evaluation.
Why the Launch Matters
According to Novo Nordisk, India is home to more than 101 million people living with diabetes, while another 136 million are estimated to have prediabetes. Despite the growing disease burden, insulin therapy is often delayed because many patients fear daily injections or find long-term treatment difficult to maintain.
Healthcare specialists say the convenience of a once-weekly injection could significantly improve patient compliance and help achieve better long-term blood sugar control.
Competitive Pricing
Novo Nordisk has priced Awiqli competitively to encourage wider adoption. The insulin is available in two pre-filled pen variants:
- 700-unit (1 ml) pen: ₹2,611
- 2,100-unit (3 ml) pen: ₹7,833
The company said the cost works out to about ₹261 for a 70-unit dose, making it comparable with several daily long-acting insulin therapies already available in the Indian market.
India Among the First Markets
India is the seventh country globally to launch Awiqli after approvals in markets including Canada, the European Union and the United States. The introduction underscores India’s growing importance as an early destination for cutting-edge diabetes therapies.
Industry estimates suggest around six million Indians currently use insulin, with that number expected to rise steadily in the coming years as diabetes cases continue to increase.
Doctors Urge Caution
While the new therapy promises greater convenience, endocrinologists caution that Awiqli is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Patients should not switch from their existing insulin regimen on their own, as the weekly insulin requires careful dose adjustment and monitoring, especially during the initial weeks of treatment.
With the arrival of the world’s first once-a-week insulin, experts believe India has entered a new era in diabetes care—one that could make insulin therapy simpler, more patient-friendly and more effective for millions battling the chronic disease.
