In a significant development for diabetes care, Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has launched Awiqli, a once-weekly basal insulin injection for adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus in India. With the launch, India becomes the seventh country globally to introduce the therapy.
Awiqli is designed to replace the need for a daily basal insulin injection with a single weekly dose, reducing the number of insulin injections from 365 per year to just 52 for eligible patients prescribed basal insulin therapy.
Speaking about the launch, Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk India, said the therapy represents a modern approach to diabetes management. He added that the injection will be available in 700-unit and 2,100-unit pen formats, with a per-unit cost of ₹3.73.
According to the company, many people delay starting insulin therapy due to the burden of taking injections every day. By reducing injection frequency, Awiqli aims to lower both the psychological and practical barriers associated with long-term insulin treatment.
“We believe Awiqli will reduce the psychological and physical barriers to insulin initiation and help more people achieve better blood sugar control and an improved quality of life,” Shrotriya said.
Novo Nordisk said the once-weekly insulin is intended to improve treatment adherence while supporting effective diabetes management under medical supervision. The company also confirmed that the product will be available across India through an extensive distribution network.
Healthcare experts advise that patients should not switch to or discontinue insulin therapy without consulting their treating physician. The suitability of Awiqli depends on an individual’s medical condition and treatment plan.
As India continues to witness a rising diabetes burden, the introduction of once-weekly basal insulin is expected to provide another treatment option for eligible adults, potentially improving convenience and long-term adherence to insulin therapy.
