Novo Nordisk has launched Awiqli (insulin icodec), the world’s first once-weekly basal insulin, in India, marking a significant advancement in diabetes management. The innovation reduces the number of insulin injections from 365 per year to just 52, offering a more convenient treatment option for people living with diabetes.

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India is home to over 101 million people with diabetes, yet only around 6 million currently use insulin therapy. Experts have long identified fear of daily injections, treatment fatigue, and delayed insulin initiation as major barriers to effective diabetes management. On average, patients postpone starting insulin therapy by seven to nine years, often due to concerns over daily needle use and the complexity of treatment.

Awiqli aims to address these challenges by replacing daily basal insulin injections with a single weekly dose. While the insulin pen is priced at ₹2,611, the effective weekly treatment cost is approximately ₹261, making it competitive with existing daily basal insulin therapies that typically cost between ₹345 and ₹453 per week.

Also Read: Glenmark Launches Generic Sugammadex Injection in US, Expands Hospital Injectables Portfolio

The launch reflects a shift in diabetes care beyond affordability, focusing on improving patient adherence, convenience, and long-term treatment outcomes. By simplifying insulin therapy, Novo Nordisk seeks to encourage earlier treatment initiation and better disease management, potentially benefiting millions of people living with diabetes across India.

The introduction of Awiqli also underscores the growing emphasis on patient-centric innovation in the pharmaceutical industry, where improving the treatment experience is becoming as important as developing new therapies.

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