No More Daily Insulin? India Introduces World's First Weekly Diabetes Injection

New Delhi: A big step has been taken towards making the treatment of diabetes easier in India. Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk on Wednesday launched Awiqli (insulin icodec) in the country. This is the world's first weekly basal insulin, which adult patients suffering from type-1 and type-2 diabetes will have to take only once a week. Until now such patients had to take insulin injections every day. With the introduction of the new medicine, only 52 injections will be required in a year instead of 365 injections.

What is Awiqli and how does it work?

The active ingredient of Awiqli is insulin icodec. It is a long-acting basal insulin, which helps to control blood sugar levels in the body throughout the week. It is applied through a pen device called FlexTouch. The company says that its aim is to reduce the hassle of taking daily injections and to motivate patients for regular treatment.

Why was the need felt in India?

India is among the countries with the highest number of diabetes patients in the world. It is estimated that more than 10 crore people in the country are affected by diabetes and about 13 crore people are affected by pre-diabetes. At the same time, about 9 lakh people are suffering from type 1 diabetes, for whom insulin is necessary throughout their life. Doctors say that due to fear and hesitation of taking injections daily, many patients are not able to start insulin on time. In many cases, treatment is delayed for 7 to 9 years.

What came out in the clinical trials?

According to the company's ONWARDS-1 clinical trial, Awiqli showed better HbA1c control than daily insulin glargine U100. Due to this, the blood sugar of the patients remained controlled for a long time and the risk of hypoglycaemia (excessive low blood sugar) was also found to be at almost the same level. More patients with type 2 diabetes were successful in maintaining HbA1c below 7 percent.

How big a change do experts consider this to be?

Endocrinologist of Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, Dr. S.K. Wangnu says that delay in starting insulin therapy and leaving the treatment midway is a big challenge in India. If patients only have to receive one injection a week, it may be easier to adapt to the treatment and continue regularly. This will also help in controlling the disease in its early stages.

What did the company say?

Vikrant Shrotriya, managing director, Novo Nordisk India, said that this launch is an important milestone for diabetes treatment in India. According to him, this insulin therapy given once a week will reduce the mental and physical burden of the patients and will make the treatment more convenient. The company has partnered with Abbott for its distribution in India.

Can patients start taking it immediately?

Experts say that Awiqli is a prescription medicine and should be used only on the advice of a doctor. The condition of every patient is different, so which insulin will be suitable will be decided only after medical examination. Health experts believe that this new therapy can play an important role in reducing the hesitation regarding insulin treatment in India.