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India has become one of the first countries to introduce Awiqli (insulin icodec), a once-weekly long-acting basal insulin developed by Novo Nordisk. Unlike conventional basal insulin, which is generally administered daily, Awiqli is designed to provide insulin coverage throughout the week with one injection every seven days.
According to The Times of India, the introduction of Awiqli in India is significant given the country’s large diabetes burden. The treatment is intended to reduce the injection burden for people who require basal insulin, potentially making insulin therapy easier to follow.
Awiqli contains insulin icodec, a long-acting insulin analogue. Its mechanism allows the insulin to remain active for an extended period, providing steady background insulin coverage over the week. Novo Nordisk describes Awiqli as the world’s first once-weekly basal insulin.
The weekly treatment schedule means that, instead of approximately 365 basal-insulin injections per year, patients may require around 52 weekly injections. Awiqli is administered subcutaneously using a pre-filled pen, with dosing determined by healthcare professionals based on the individual’s treatment requirements and blood glucose levels.
For people with Type 1 diabetes, Awiqli is used together with mealtime insulin, while for adults with Type 2 diabetes, it can be used as part of an appropriate diabetes-treatment regimen. It is a prescription medicine and should be used only under medical supervision.
Awiqli has already received regulatory approvals in the European Union and several other markets. In January 2026, India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) Endocrinology & Metabolism committee also recommended permission for a post-marketing surveillance study of once-weekly Awiqli in Indian patients with diabetes.
The launch represents a significant development in insulin delivery, particularly for patients who find daily injections difficult to maintain. However, suitability, dosage and treatment schedules should be determined by a qualified healthcare professional.