{"id":14397,"date":"2026-07-10T15:06:29","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T09:36:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/?p=14397"},"modified":"2026-07-10T16:30:40","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T11:00:40","slug":"world-first-once-weekly-insulin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.class24.study\/current-affairs\/world-first-once-weekly-insulin\/","title":{"rendered":"World’s First Once-Weekly Insulin Launched in India: A Major Diabetes Breakthrough"},"content":{"rendered":"

World’s First Weekly Insulin Debuts: Novo Nordisk has introduced a new long-acting agent in diabetes management, Awiqli (Insulin Icodec)- The first once-weekly basal insulin globally- and is now available in India. The groundbreaking treatment could revolutionise diabetes care by reducing the need for insulin injections on a daily basis and increasing patient compliance. <\/span><\/p>\n

The innovation is set to cater for millions of patients and bolster India’s healthcare ecosystem, as India boasts one of the largest diabetic populations around the world. The launch is based on successful global clinical trials and regulatory approvals, making this an important development in medical science and current affairs.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why in News?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Novo Nordisk expanded the availability of Awiqli (Insulin Icodec) in India, where it was approved, becoming one of the first country -located to launch globally for eligible adults with diabetes. The launch intends to simplify insulin therapy and improve treatment adherence by minimising the injection frequency from 365 injections yearly to only 52 per year.<\/span><\/p>\n

Key Highlights of Once-Weekly Insulin<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Particular<\/b><\/td>\nDetails<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
News<\/span><\/td>\nWorld’s First Once-Weekly Insulin Launched in India<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Medicine<\/span><\/td>\nAwiqli<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Generic Name<\/span><\/td>\nInsulin Icodec<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Developed By<\/span><\/td>\nNovo Nordisk<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Type<\/span><\/td>\nOnce-Weekly Basal Insulin<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Launch<\/span><\/td>\nJuly 2026<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Injection Frequency<\/span><\/td>\nOnce Every Week<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Major Benefit<\/span><\/td>\nReplaces Daily Basal Insulin<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Clinical Programme<\/span><\/td>\nONWARDS Phase III Trials<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Significance<\/span><\/td>\nFirst Weekly Insulin Therapy in the World<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

What is Awiqli (Insulin Icodec)?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Awiqli is a long-acting<\/span> ‘ultra’ basal insulin<\/b> that aims to manage glycaemic control for an entire week with just one shot. It is an insulin analogue, Insulin Icodec, that was developed to release itself over a week.<\/span><\/p>\n

Awiqli has the benefit of decreasing the injection frequency, unlike conventional basal insulin, which is given daily, whilst maintaining glycaemic control. The drug is meant for long-term management of the condition under medical supervision and is seen as one of the great new advances in insulin therapy over the last several decades.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why is Once-Weekly Insulin a Major Breakthrough?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The Awiqli (Insulin Icodec) is a major step forward as it completely transforms basal insulin delivery. Legacy requires daily injections for patients with diabetes needing basal insulin, which results in treatment fatigue, including missed doses and poor compliance. A once-weekly insulin reduces injection burden by up to almost 86%, simplifies diabetes management while achieving effective blood glucose control. <\/span><\/p>\n

Novo Nordisk stated that the ONWARDS Phase III clinical trial programme for the medicine showed efficacy and safety in eligible patients, with glycaemic control similar to daily basal insulin. This breakthrough may encourage better patient compliance, improve quality of life and lead to a reduction in diabetes-associated complications due to non-compliance, the issue of which is especially relevant in countries facing an increasing burden of diabetes like India, thereby improving long-term health outcomes.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Does Insulin Icodec Work?<\/span><\/h2>\n