On July 9, 2026, Denmark’s leading pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk has launched Insulin Icodec Avikli in India. This is the world’s first once-a-week basal insulin. India has become the sixth country in the world to launch this medicine. Till now diabetic patients had to inject insulin daily i.e. 365 injections in a year. After the arrival of Avikali, this number will reduce to only 52 injections in a year. So let us know what are the benefits of the new medicine, how much is its price and whether it will provide relief from diabetes forever or not…
After all, what is this new insulin?
According to the report of America’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, it is a type of basal insulin. Basal insulin is the one that works in the background in the body throughout the day and maintains the blood sugar level. Till now, all the basal insulins available in India needed to be administered once or twice daily. But this new insulin Icodec is released slowly and continuously in the body, due to which its effect remains for a whole week.
Mathematics of price: How will the dose become cheaper by 40%?
This is the most interesting aspect of the whole story. The price of one pre-filled pen of this new insulin has been kept at Rs 2,611. Now you will think that how can the claim of being 40% cheaper at such an expensive price be true? Actually, this saving is not in price but in the number of injections.
- If you take basal insulin daily, you have to take 7 injections a week.
- Just 1 injection of this new insulin does the work for the whole week.
The company claims that this therapy can prove to be up to 40% more cost-effective for patients considering their entire insulin requirement (both basal and mealtime). The reason for this is that the number of injections will reduce from 365 to only 52 in a year. The cost of needles, syringes and frequent visits to the doctor will also be saved.
How does this week-long injection work?
According to the European Medicine Agency (EMA), the specialty of this insulin lies in the structure of its molecule. Normal insulin dissolves quickly in the body and gets mixed into the blood. But Insulin Icodec is designed in such a way that it sticks to a protein called albumin present in the blood. Due to this, it is released very slowly and continuously and its effect on sugar remains the same for seven days. This is not magic, but a miracle of biotechnology.
Method of application and dosage: For the first time, doctor’s advice is necessary.
According to EMA, this injection comes in a pre-filled pen, which is very easy to administer. Patients can apply it themselves without any problem. But one very important thing:
- This insulin is only for those adult patients who have type-2 diabetes.
- Its initial dosage and decision to start it should never be taken on one’s own. The doctor will thoroughly examine the patient and will calculate the exact weekly dose according to the old daily insulin dose.
- It has to be applied on the same fixed day of the week and at the same time.
Availability: Where can you get it?
The company has started making it available through medical stores and hospitals in major cities across the country. It is expected that soon it will also be available on online pharmacy. It is available only on doctor’s prescription, so do not buy it without medical advice.
Which ones should absolutely not be taken?
This medicine may be a major breakthrough, but it is not for everyone:
- Type-1 diabetes patients: This insulin is not for them at the moment.
- Pregnant and lactating women: The study on this has not been completed yet.
- Patients with severe liver or kidney disease: In such a situation, the doctor will have to take special care.
- Risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): Like any insulin, if the dose is exceeded or food is not eaten on time, sugar can become very low. Due to the longer effect of this new insulin, this condition can become more serious, hence identification of symptoms is important.
What do doctors recommend?
Dr. V. Mohan, a renowned diabetologist and chairman of Dr. Mohan Diabetes Specialties Centre, told The Indian Express that he considers this insulin to be a major change in diabetes care. He says that the pain and hesitation of daily injections forces many patients to leave the treatment midway. One injection a week will eliminate this problem to a great extent and the patient will be able to undergo regular treatment. However, they also warn that initially doctors will have to pay special attention to its dose adjustment.
Dr. S., Senior Consultant Endocrinologist, Apollo Hospital, New Delhi. Of. According to Wangnu, insulin remains the foundation of diabetes management for many patients, yet delayed initiation and carelessness continue to impair outcomes in clinical practice.
So is it really a lifesaver?
If you are suffering from type-2 diabetes and are going through the trouble of taking insulin daily, then this medicine can change your life. Giving 52 injections instead of 365 in a year is a big relief. In terms of cost, the initial investment may seem high, but in the long run it will be easy on the pocket and above all, it will reduce mental stress. Just take full advice from your doctor before starting it. This insulin does not eliminate diabetes from its roots.
Dr Shashank Joshi, endocrinologist, Lilavati Hospital, says, ‘This is a useful addition to our treatment options, but it will be best suited for patients who are willing to use technology to manage their diabetes.’
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