Weekly Insulin Injection Now Available for Israeli Diabetics
Translated & summarized from Mignews by baba
Israeli diabetics can now receive insulin with a single weekly injection of the newly registered drug Awiqli, reducing annual shots from 365 to 52. The medication, approved in Europe and the U.S. in 2024 and 2026 respectively, is currently available privately. Experts call the drug a "revolution in insulin therapy" that simplifies treatment and may encourage more patients to adhere to their regimen, potentially reducing complications.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Israeli diabetics can now use Awiqli, a weekly insulin injection, replacing daily shots.
- The new drug, Awiqli, reduces annual insulin injections from 365 to 52.
- Awiqli was approved in Europe in 2024 and the U.S. in March 2026, followed by Israel.
- The medication is currently available for private purchase in Israel.
- Experts consider the weekly insulin a "revolution in insulin therapy."
- Clinical trials show Awiqli is as effective as, or more effective than, daily basal insulin.
Israeli patients with diabetes now have access to Awiqli, a new insulin medication that requires only one injection per week, replacing the need for daily basal insulin shots. Developed by Novo Nordisk, this innovation significantly reduces the annual number of injections from 365 to 52. Currently, the drug is available for private purchase, with prices ranging from 280 to 527 shekels for a supply lasting up to 12 weeks, depending on dosage.
Awiqli received approval in the European Union in 2024 and in the United States in March 2026, with its registration in Israel following shortly after. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also approved a similar weekly insulin, Onswik by Eli Lilly, in September, though its availability in Israel is yet to be determined.
This new weekly formulation replaces only basal insulin, which is crucial for maintaining stable blood sugar levels. It is particularly beneficial for many individuals with type 2 diabetes, who may not require mealtime insulin injections. According to the Ministry of Health's National Diabetes Registry, over 708,000 Israelis, or 7.5% of the population, were registered with diabetes in 2024, 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 physical and emotional relief, noting stable blood sugar levels even after large meals. Professor Roi Eldor, Head of Endocrinology at 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 fear of daily injections.
The drug's extended effect is attributed to insulin icodec, which binds to albumin in the blood and releases gradually over seven days. Clinical trials involving approximately 4,000 patients demonstrated that Awiqli is as effective as, and in some cases more effective than, traditional daily basal insulin in lowering average blood sugar levels, measured by HbA1c. Professor Eldor believes this new treatment regimen will improve adherence to medical recommendations and reduce the risk of severe complications.
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