Novo Nordisk Brings Once-Weekly Awiqli Insulin To India For Adult Diabetes Care

Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk on Thursday launched Awiqli, its once-weekly basal insulin injection, in India for the treatment of adults with diabetes, making the country the seventh market globally to introduce the therapy. The new treatment is designed for adults with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus and aims to simplify insulin management by replacing daily basal insulin injections with a single weekly dose. The launch marks a significant development in diabetes care, as Awiqli reduces the number of basal insulin injections required annually from 365 to just 52.

Novo Nordisk said the simplified dosing schedule is expected to improve treatment adherence and reduce the burden of insulin therapy for patients who require long-term blood sugar management. Speaking at the launch, Novo Nordisk India Managing Director Vikrant Shrotriya said India is the seventh country to introduce the once-weekly insulin therapy. "It is a modern therapy, and we are the seventh country to launch the injection," he said. The company announced that Awiqli will be available in two pre-filled pen formats containing 700 units and 2,100 units of insulin, with a per-unit price of ₹3.73.

Basal insulin is a long-acting form of insulin that helps maintain stable blood glucose levels throughout the day and night. Traditionally, patients requiring basal insulin have needed one injection every day. Awiqli's once-weekly formulation is intended to offer similar glucose control while significantly reducing the frequency of injections, potentially making treatment more convenient for people living with diabetes. Novo Nordisk said the reduced injection schedule could help overcome one of the major barriers associated with insulin therapy.

Also Read: Quran Recitations At Khamenei's Funeral Highlight Iran's Political Messaging

Many patients delay or avoid initiating insulin because of concerns about daily injections, treatment complexity and lifestyle disruptions. The company believes a once-weekly regimen could improve patient acceptance and encourage better adherence to prescribed treatment plans. India is home to one of the world's largest populations of people living with diabetes, making access to innovative therapies particularly significant. According to health experts, the country's growing diabetes burden has increased the need for advanced treatment options that improve long-term disease management while enhancing patients' quality of life.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the body produces little or no insulin, requiring lifelong insulin therapy. Type 2 diabetes, the more common form, develops when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough to maintain normal blood sugar levels. While many people with Type 2 diabetes manage the condition through lifestyle changes and oral medications, some eventually require insulin therapy to achieve adequate glucose control. The introduction of Awiqli adds to the expanding range of diabetes treatments available in India, where healthcare providers are increasingly adopting newer therapies aimed at improving patient convenience and outcomes.

Experts note that while innovations such as once-weekly insulin can simplify treatment, patients should continue to follow medical advice regarding blood sugar monitoring, diet, exercise and regular follow-up consultations. Novo Nordisk said the therapy is intended to support adults with diabetes who require basal insulin and hopes the reduced injection frequency will help improve adherence and overall disease management. Healthcare professionals emphasise that treatment decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified physician, based on an individual's medical condition and therapeutic requirements.

Also Read: India-Australia Partnership Expands Through Education And Research Cooperation