Novo Nordisk Introduces Awiqli, the World’s First Once-Weekly Basal Insulin, in India

India faces one of the world’s largest diabetes burdens, with more than 101 million people living with diabetes and an additional 136 million classified as pre-diabetic. Insulin initiation is typically delayed by seven to nine years, driven by patient fears of injections, anticipated pain, and cost concerns, as well as physician worries about hypoglycaemia, weight gain, and complex titration. The Indian insulin market is projected to expand from $660.5 million in 2025 to $916.4 million by 2034 (IMARC), reflecting rising prevalence linked to sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, and genetic factors.

Awiqli®: Novo Nordisk India Launches World’s First Once-Weekly Basal Insulin

Awiqli (insulin icodec) is a basal insulin designed for once-weekly administration, reducing annual injections from 365 to 52. The drug received U.S. approval earlier in 2026 and is also approved in the European Union and several other jurisdictions. In the ONWARDS-1 programme involving over 4,000 adult participants, Awiqli demonstrated:

Novo Nordisk launches world’s first once-weekly basal insulin in India at Rs 3.71 per unit

• Superior reduction in HbA1c compared with daily glargine U100.

Novo Nordisk readies once-a-week insulin shot for Indian market

• Higher “time-in-range” percentages, indicating more consistent glucose control.

Awiqli®: Novo Nordisk India Launches World’s First Once-Weekly Basal Insulin

• More Type 2 diabetes patients achieving HbA1c < 7 % without increased hypoglycaemia.

Novo Nordisk launches Awiqli once-weekly insulin in India for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes

For Type 1 diabetes, trials reported a higher risk of hypoglycaemia relative to existing basal insulins, a point noted by clinicians.

Novo Nordisk readies once-a-week insulin shot for Indian market

Pricing in India is set at INR261 per week for a 70-unit dose (? $2.74). Two pen variants are offered: a 1 ml (700-unit) pen for INR2,611 and a 3 ml (2,100-unit) pen for INR7,833. Industry observers note this is 30–40 % lower than many daily basal options, though other reports cite a price of INR3.5 per unit, indicating minor discrepancies in unit-level costing.

world’s first once-weekly basal insulin

Awiqli enters a market dominated by established basal insulins such as Sanofi’s Lantus and lower-cost glargine products from domestic manufacturers Biocon, Eris Lifesciences, and Lupin. Novo Nordisk also faces competition from Eli Lilly and a growing cohort of Indian generic producers, particularly as the country expands its obesity-treatment segment.

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Novo Nordisk’s Managing Director for India, Vikrant Shrotriya, emphasized the product’s potential to lower both psychological and physical barriers to insulin use. Company communications highlighted the aspiration to bring breakthrough therapies to Indian patients promptly and positioned the launch as a milestone in simplifying insulin therapy. Regulatory approvals in the United States, European Union, and other regions were cited to underscore the drug’s global validation.

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Clinical data reveal a higher hypoglycaemia incidence in Type 1 diabetes patients using Awiqli versus daily basal analogues. Experts caution that while reduced injection frequency may improve adherence, safety monitoring for hypoglycaemic events remains essential, especially for patients requiring intensive insulin regimens.

Awiqli®: Novo Nordisk India Launches World’s First Once-Weekly Basal Insulin

Sources differ slightly on unit pricing: one report states INR3.5 per unit, while another lists INR2.74 per 70-unit weekly dose. No independent cost-effectiveness analyses have been released, leaving uncertainty about long-term affordability for the broader diabetic population.

world’s first once-weekly basal insulin

• “We have always aspired to bring breakthrough therapies to Indian patients at the earliest opportunity,” — Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India

Novo Nordisk readies once-a-week insulin shot for Indian market

• “People perceive insulin as the last resort because they associate it with multiple injections every day,” — Vikrant Shrotriya

Novo Nordisk readies once-a-week insulin shot for Indian market

• “Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director, Novo Nordisk India, said: “The launch of Awiqli is a defining moment for diabetes care in India.” — Vikrant Shrotriya

world’s first once-weekly basal insulin

• “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. A once-weekly basal insulin could reduce the apprehension around starting insulin and help clinicians have more productive conversations about timely treatment.” — Dr S.K. Wangnoo, Senior Consultant Endocrinologist, Apollo Centre for Obesity, Diabetes & Endocrinology

world’s first once-weekly basal insulin

• “We believe Awiqli will reduce the psychological and physical barriers to insulin initiation,” — Vikrant Shrotriya

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