Novo Nordisk has introduced Awiqli (insulin icodec), the world's first once-weekly basal insulin, to the Indian market. This significant launch, announced on July 9, 2026, positions India as the seventh country globally to offer this innovative therapy, which is approved for adults with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
The introduction of Awiqli addresses a critical challenge in diabetes care: the delayed initiation of insulin therapy. India faces one of the world's largest diabetes burdens, with over 101 million people currently living with the condition and an additional 136 million estimated to have prediabetes, according to the ICMR-INDIAB study. Many patients postpone insulin treatment for years due to concerns about daily injections, the perceived complexity of treatment, and associated costs.
Simplifying Diabetes Management
Awiqli offers a groundbreaking alternative to conventional once-daily basal insulin by reducing the number of injections from 365 to just 52 per year. This substantial decrease is expected to alleviate the psychological and physical barriers that often deter patients from starting or adhering to insulin therapy when clinically needed.
Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk India, emphasized the company's long-standing ambition to make insulin therapy simpler and more accessible. "The launch of Awiqli is a defining moment for diabetes care in India. Once-weekly dosing has long been an aspiration in our field. Today, it is a reality for India," Shrotriya stated, expressing confidence that Awiqli will help more people achieve better control over their diabetes and improve their quality of life.
Clinical Efficacy and Global Availability
The efficacy and safety of Awiqli are supported by the global ONWARDS Phase 3 clinical program, which involved over 4,000 adults, including participants from India. Clinical studies demonstrated that the once-weekly insulin achieved a greater reduction in HbA1c (a key indicator of blood sugar control) and improved time in range compared to once-daily insulin glargine U100, while maintaining a comparable safety profile.
Dr. S.K. Wangnoo, Senior Consultant Endocrinologist and Diabetologist at Apollo Centre for Obesity, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, highlighted the potential impact. "Insulin remains the cornerstone of diabetes management for many patients, yet delayed initiation and non-adherence continue to undermine outcomes in clinical practice. Innovations that meaningfully simplify the treatment experience have the potential to change patient behaviour."
Priced at an accessible ₹261 per week, Awiqli has already received approvals in major markets such as the US and the European Union. India joins Canada, Germany, China, Italy, Japan, and the United States in making this advanced diabetes treatment available.