Science & Technology★ Must Know

India Launches World's First Once-Weekly Insulin Awiqli by Novo Nordisk

By TestNeeti Editorial TeamPublished Thursday, 9 July 2026 3 min readSource: GK TodayArticle 2 of 20

On 9 July 2026, India launched Awiqli, the world's first once-weekly basal insulin, marketed by the Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk. The drug contains the molecule insulin icodec, which binds to the blood protein albumin to extend its action over seven days. In India it is approved for adults with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, making the country the seventh to introduce the product. Awiqli cuts the annual injection count from about 365 with daily basal insulin to just 52. Supplied in a FlexTouch pen, the 700-unit pack is priced at Rs 2,611, roughly 30 to 40 per cent cheaper per unit than existing daily insulin. Clinical trials showed glycaemic control comparable to or better than daily insulin, though with a higher risk of hypoglycaemia in some Type 1 patients.

Key Facts & Details

9 points

1
India launched Awiqli, the world's first once-weekly basal insulin, on 9 July 2026, becoming the seventh country to introduce it.
2
The drug is marketed by Danish firm Novo Nordisk and contains the molecule insulin icodec, which binds to albumin to sustain action across seven days.
3
In India, Awiqli is approved for adults with both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, whereas in the United States it is cleared only for adults with Type 2 diabetes.
4
It reduces annual injections from about 365 (daily basal insulin) to 52, and is supplied through a FlexTouch pen device.
5
The 700-unit pack is priced at Rs 2,611, with the per-unit cost about 30 to 40 per cent lower than existing daily insulin units.
6
Clinical trials found glycaemic control comparable to or better than daily basal insulin, but with a higher risk of hypoglycaemia in some Type 1 diabetes patients.

Deep Dive

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Basal insulin is a long-acting insulin used to keep blood glucose stable between meals and during sleep, distinct from fast-acting mealtime insulin.
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India carries a large diabetes burden, and the average delay in starting insulin therapy is 7 to 9 years, often driven by fear of daily injections.
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A once-weekly regimen is aimed at improving treatment adherence for patients needing long-term injectable therapy.

Exam Focus

Which company markets Awiqli, what molecule it contains, how many countries have introduced it, and the reduction in annual injections.

Exam Relevance & Angle

Awiqli is a world-first therapeutic milestone relevant to science, technology and health general-awareness sections. Examiners frequently test the product name, its maker (Novo Nordisk), the active molecule (insulin icodec), and the injection reduction from 365 to 52 a year, making it a high-yield current-affairs fact.

Target Exams

SBI POIBPS POSSC CGLSSC CHSLRRB NTPCUPSC CSEState PCS

Background & Context

Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood sugar; people with diabetes either cannot produce enough of it or cannot use it effectively. Treatment often combines basal insulin, a long-acting form that provides a steady background level, with mealtime bolus insulin. Conventional basal insulins must be injected daily, which imposes a heavy adherence burden and deters many patients from starting therapy. Novo Nordisk, headquartered in Denmark, is one of the world's leading insulin makers. The scientific advance behind once-weekly dosing is the modification of the insulin molecule so it attaches to albumin, a plentiful blood protein, releasing slowly to maintain effect for a full week rather than a single day.