India Launches World’s First Once-Weekly Insulin Awiqli

India launched Awiqli, the world’s first once-weekly basal insulin, on 9 July 2026. The drug contains insulin icodec and is marketed by Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. In India, Awiqli is approved for adults with Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes.

Basal Insulin and Diabetes Treatment

Basal insulin is a long-acting insulin used to maintain blood glucose levels between meals and during sleep. Daily basal insulin regimens usually require 365 injections in a year, while once-weekly insulin reduces this number to 52 injections annually. Awiqli is designed for patients who need long-term insulin therapy and use injectable treatment for diabetes management.

Mechanism, Device and Pricing

Awiqli is supplied in a FlexTouch pen device. The insulin icodec molecule binds to the blood protein albumin, which extends its action over seven days. The 700-unit pack is priced at Rs 2,611 in India, and its per-unit cost is about 30 to 40 per cent lower than existing daily insulin units.

Regulatory Status and Clinical Data

India is the seventh country to introduce Awiqli. In the United States, the same product is approved only for adults with Type 2 diabetes. Clinical trials have found glycaemic control with Awiqli to be comparable to or better than daily basal insulin, with a higher risk of hypoglycaemia in some Type 1 diabetes patients.

Important Facts for Exams

• Insulin icodec is the active ingredient in Awiqli.
• Basal insulin is also called background insulin in diabetes care.
• Albumin is the most abundant protein in human blood plasma.
• Hypoglycaemia means abnormally low blood glucose level.

Diabetes Care in India

India has a large diabetes burden and delayed insulin initiation is often linked to fear of daily injections. The average delay in starting insulin therapy in India is 7 to 9 years. Awiqli is one of the first once-weekly insulin products introduced in the global market.