Weekly Insulin Injection Approved for Israeli Diabetes Patients
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
Israel has approved Awiqli, a new once-weekly basal insulin injection, for diabetes patients, reducing annual shots from 365 to 52. The drug, already approved in the EU and US, is now available for private purchase in Israel. Clinical trials showed Awiqli to be as effective as, and sometimes better than, daily basal insulin. Experts believe the reduced injection frequency will encourage more patients to begin insulin therapy and improve adherence.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israel approves Awiqli, a new once-weekly basal insulin injection, for diabetes patients.
- The drug reduces annual injections from 365 to 52, offering significant patient convenience.
- Awiqli has received prior approval from the European Union and the U.S. FDA.
- Currently available for private purchase, Awiqli's price ranges from 280 to 527 shekels.
- Clinical trials confirm Awiqli's effectiveness compared to daily basal insulin.
- Experts anticipate the new treatment will revolutionize insulin therapy and improve adherence.
Israel has approved the registration of Awiqli, a new once-weekly basal insulin injection, offering an alternative to daily shots for diabetes patients. Developed by Novo Nordisk, the drug significantly reduces the number of annual injections from 365 to 52. Currently, Awiqli is available for private purchase, with prices ranging from 280 to 527 shekels for a supply lasting up to 12 weeks, depending on dosage. The European Union approved Awiqli in 2024, followed by the U.S. FDA in March 2026, with Israel's registration now complete.
Eli Lilly's similar weekly insulin, Onswik, also received FDA approval in September, but its availability in Israel is yet to be determined. Awiqli replaces only basal insulin, which is often sufficient for many type 2 diabetes patients who do not require mealtime insulin. In 2024, Israel's National Diabetes Register listed 708,553 individuals over two years old with diabetes, representing 7.5% of the population, with type 2 diabetes accounting for about 90% of cases.
Ilan, a 67-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes who participated in clinical trials, described the weekly injection as a significant relief, providing both physical ease and peace of mind. He noted stable blood sugar levels throughout his year-long trial. Professor Roi Eldor of Tel Aviv's Ichilov Hospital hailed the drug as a "revolution in insulin therapy," predicting it will encourage more patients to start treatment due to the reduced injection frequency.
The drug's extended effect is attributed to insulin icodec, which binds to albumin in the blood, allowing for gradual release over seven days. Clinical trials involving approximately 4,000 patients demonstrated Awiqli's non-inferiority and, in some cases, superiority to daily basal insulin in lowering HbA1c levels. Professor Eldor believes this new treatment regimen will improve adherence and reduce the risk of diabetes complications.
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