India Launches Awiqli: World’s First Once-Weekly Basal Insulin for Diabetes

Why in News?

India launched Awiqli, the world’s first once-weekly basal insulin, on 9 July 2026. Developed and marketed by Novo Nordisk, the drug contains insulin icodec and has been approved in India for adults with both Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes.

The launch marks a major advancement in diabetes management by significantly reducing the number of insulin injections required annually.

What is Awiqli?

Awiqli is a long-acting (basal) insulin designed to maintain stable blood glucose levels between meals and during sleep. Unlike conventional basal insulin that requires daily injections, Awiqli is administered only once a week, reducing the number of injections from 365 to just 52 per year.

The medicine is supplied through the FlexTouch® pen device, making self-administration easier and more convenient for patients requiring long-term insulin therapy.

How Does It Work?

The active ingredient, insulin icodec, is engineered to bind with albumin, the most abundant protein in human blood plasma. This slows the release of insulin into the bloodstream, allowing it to remain effective for up to seven days after a single injection.

This prolonged action provides continuous background insulin support while reducing the treatment burden for people living with diabetes.

Pricing and Clinical Significance

• Pack Size: 700 units
• Price in India: ₹2,611
• Per-unit cost: Around 30–40% lower than many daily basal insulin therapies.

Clinical studies have shown that Awiqli provides glycaemic control comparable to or better than daily basal insulin, although some Type 1 diabetes patients experienced a relatively higher risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar).

India is the seventh country to introduce Awiqli, while in the United States, it is currently approved only for Type 2 Diabetes.

Why is it Important for India?

India has one of the largest diabetes populations in the world, and delayed initiation of insulin therapy remains a major challenge. Studies indicate that many Indian patients postpone insulin treatment by 7–9 years, largely due to the fear of daily injections.

Once-weekly insulin therapy has the potential to improve patient compliance, reduce treatment fatigue, and enhance long-term diabetes management.

Awiqli: Important Facts for Exams

• Drug Name: Awiqli
• Active Ingredient: Insulin Icodec
• Manufacturer: Novo Nordisk (Denmark)
• Launch in India: 9 July 2026
• Type: World’s first once-weekly basal insulin
• Approved in India for: Adults with Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
• Mechanism: Albumin-binding insulin with 7-day duration of action
• Delivery Device: FlexTouch® Pen
• Basal insulin is also known as background insulin.
• Hypoglycaemia refers to abnormally low blood glucose levels.