Novo Nordisk Launches Weekly Insulin Shot Awiqli in India

New Delhi, India Jul 9, 2026 ALN: Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk has made a significant entry into the Indian pharmaceutical market with the launch of its weekly basal insulin injection, Awiqli, on July 9, 2026. This innovative product is poised to revolutionize diabetes management by offering an alternative to the daily-dose insulin options that have dominated the market for decades. With diabetes being a major public health concern in India, the introduction of Awiqli is timely and could have far-reaching implications for both patients and the healthcare system.

Awiqli is touted as the world’s first once-weekly basal insulin approved for clinical use, specifically targeting the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in adults. The primary advantage of this new formulation is its ability to reduce the number of injections a patient needs to take from 365 per year to just 52. This reduction in injection frequency could potentially alleviate the burden of daily insulin administration, which many patients find cumbersome and distressing. For patients managing diabetes, the psychological and physical burden of daily injections can lead to poor adherence to treatment regimens, which can subsequently result in worsening health outcomes.

During the launch event held in New Delhi, Vikrant Shrotriya, Managing Director of Novo Nordisk India, announced that the price for a once-weekly dose of 70 insulin units of Awiqli is set at ₹261 (approximately $2.74). The product will be available in two variants: a 1 ml (700-unit) pen priced at ₹2,611 and a 3 ml (2,100-unit) pen priced at ₹7,833. This pricing strategy positions Awiqli competitively against existing daily-dose basal insulin products, which currently range in cost from ₹345 to ₹453 for 70 units. By offering a more economical weekly option, Novo Nordisk aims to make insulin therapy more accessible to a broader segment of the Indian population, thereby addressing a critical gap in diabetes management.

Diabetes is a pressing health issue in India, with over 101 million individuals living with the disease and an additional 136 million classified as prediabetic. The prevalence of diabetes in India has been attributed to a combination of factors, including sedentary lifestyles, poor dietary habits, and genetic predispositions. In urban areas, lifestyle changes such as increased consumption of processed foods and reduced physical activity have contributed to this alarming trend. Despite the high number of individuals affected, insulin initiation in India is often delayed by an average of 7 to 9 years. This delay is primarily due to fears surrounding injections, anticipated pain, and cost concerns associated with insulin therapy. Currently, only around 6 million people in India are on insulin therapy, but this number is expected to rise to 9 million in the near future, reflecting both the growing diabetes epidemic and the potential commercial benefits for Novo Nordisk.

The insulin market in India is projected to experience substantial growth, with estimates indicating an increase from $660.5 million in 2025 to $916.4 million by 2034. This growth is largely driven by the rising prevalence of diabetes, alongside increasing awareness and acceptance of insulin therapy. As healthcare providers and patients become more informed about diabetes management options, the demand for effective and convenient treatments like Awiqli is likely to increase. The introduction of Awiqli also aligns with the global trend of developing long-acting insulin formulations, which aim to enhance patient adherence and improve overall glycemic control.

Awiqli, known generically as insulin icodec, has received regulatory approval in multiple regions, including the United States and the European Union, before its launch in India. With India being the seventh country to introduce this drug, it is positioned to compete with established basal insulin brands such as Sanofi’s Lantus and lower-cost insulin glargine products marketed by domestic companies like Biocon, Eris Lifesciences, and Lupin. The competitive landscape in the insulin market is expected to intensify as Awiqli enters the fray, particularly given the increasing focus on patient-centric treatment options that enhance adherence and improve quality of life. The entry of Awiqli could also stimulate further innovation among competitors, potentially leading to the development of new therapies that address the diverse needs of diabetes patients.

In addition to its diabetes products, Novo Nordisk is also expanding its portfolio to compete in the growing obesity-treatment market. The company faces competition not only from traditional pharmaceutical giants like Eli Lilly but also from an increasing number of Indian generic drugmakers. As the obesity epidemic parallels the rise of diabetes, the demand for effective weight management solutions is expected to grow, creating additional opportunities for companies like Novo Nordisk to innovate and capture market share. The intersection of diabetes and obesity presents a unique challenge for healthcare providers, as both conditions often coexist and require integrated management strategies.

The introduction of Awiqli in India represents a significant advancement in diabetes care, potentially transforming how patients manage their condition. By reducing the frequency of injections and providing a more affordable option, Novo Nordisk is addressing some of the key barriers that have historically hindered insulin use among patients. The company’s commitment to improving diabetes management aligns with broader public health goals aimed at curbing the diabetes epidemic in India and enhancing patient outcomes. Improved access to insulin therapy could lead to better glycemic control, reducing the risk of complications associated with diabetes, such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and kidney failure.

As the healthcare system in India continues to evolve, the launch of Awiqli underscores the importance of innovation in addressing chronic diseases. It highlights the need for pharmaceutical companies to develop products that not only meet clinical needs but also consider the practical aspects of patient adherence and affordability. The success of Awiqli could pave the way for further advancements in diabetes treatment and inspire similar innovations in other therapeutic areas. Moreover, the launch may prompt healthcare policymakers to reevaluate existing frameworks for diabetes management, ensuring that patients have access to the latest treatment options.

In conclusion, the launch of Awiqli by Novo Nordisk marks a significant milestone in diabetes management in India. With its once-weekly dosing regimen and competitive pricing, Awiqli has the potential to improve the lives of millions of individuals living with diabetes. As the insulin market continues to expand, the implications of this launch extend beyond commercial interests, reflecting a growing commitment to enhancing patient care and addressing the pressing health challenges posed by diabetes in India. The anticipated impact of Awiqli could lead to a paradigm shift in diabetes management, with the potential for improved health outcomes and a reduction in the overall burden of diabetes on the Indian healthcare system.