New Weekly Insulin Awiqli Launches in Israel for Diabetes Patients
Translated & summarized from Vesty by baba
A new once-weekly insulin, Awiqli, has been approved and is now available in Israel for diabetes patients, significantly reducing the number of annual injections. Developed by Novo Nordisk, the drug offers convenience and improved blood sugar control, according to patient and physician accounts. While currently available privately, its introduction is seen as a major advancement in diabetes therapy, potentially easing treatment for many. The drug has already received approvals in the EU and the U.S.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Awiqli, the first once-weekly insulin, is now available in Israel for diabetes patients.
- The new drug reduces annual injections from 365 to just 52.
- Awiqli is currently available privately, with prices ranging from 280 to 527 shekels.
- Over 700,000 people in Israel live with diabetes, with type 2 being the most common.
- Clinical trials showed Awiqli to be as effective as, and in some cases more effective than, daily basal insulin.
A new once-weekly insulin, Awiqli, has become available in Israel, offering a significant reduction in injections for type 2 diabetes patients. Developed by Novo Nordisk, the drug replaces the need for 365 daily injections with just 52 annually. Currently, Awiqli is available privately, with prices ranging from 280 to 527 shekels per package, which can last up to 12 weeks depending on dosage. The drug received European Union approval in 2024 and U.S. FDA approval in March 2026. Another weekly insulin, Eli Lilly's Onswik, was approved by the FDA in September, but its availability in Israel is not yet known.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose. Patients typically use short-acting insulin before meals and long-acting basal insulin once or twice daily. Awiqli is designed to replace basal insulin and is primarily intended for type 2 diabetes patients, most of whom do not require pre-meal injections. In Israel, over 700,000 people, or 7.5% of the population, have diabetes. Type 1 diabetes requires insulin from diagnosis, while type 2, which accounts for 90% of cases, involves insulin resistance or insufficient production.
Ilan, a 67-year-old type 2 diabetes patient who participated in a clinical trial at Meir Hospital, described Awiqli as a "revolution." He noted the convenience of weekly injections and the psychological benefit of feeling "protected" throughout the week. He also found it easier to maintain stable blood sugar levels, especially after large meals, compared to daily injections. Professor Roi Eldor, head of endocrinology at Ichilov Hospital, called the drug a "revolution in insulin therapy," predicting it will ease treatment for patients hesitant about daily injections and improve adherence.
The active ingredient in Awiqli, insulin icodec, is designed to remain active for seven days by binding to albumin in the bloodstream and releasing gradually. This mechanism ensures a stable glucose level throughout the week. The drug is administered via a special pen once a week, ideally on the same day. Dosage is individualized. The efficacy and safety of Awiqli were evaluated in the ONWARDS research program, involving approximately 4,000 patients across six Phase 3 clinical trials. These trials compared Awiqli to daily basal insulin, showing comparable or even improved glycemic control (HbA1c levels) with the weekly formulation.
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