Awiqli: FDA approves first once-weekly long-acting basal insulin

The FDA approved Awiqli (insulin icodec-abae), a once-weekly long-acting basal insulin for adults with type 2 diabetes. It is delivered as a weekly subcutaneous shot using a prefilled FlexTouch pen.

The FDA has approved Awiqli (insulin icodec-abae), a once-weekly long-acting basal insulin for adults with type 2 diabetes. It is administered as a subcutaneous shot on the same day each week using a prefilled FlexTouch pen. Type 2 diabetes affects the body’s ability to control blood sugar and can lead to complications if not managed. Many people with the condition use daily basal insulin, and this approval reduces the number of basal injections needed each week. Key facts: - Awiqli is described as the only long-acting man-made insulin (U-700) in the U.S. designed to last an entire week. - The active ingredient, insulin icodec-abae, loosely binds to the blood protein albumin to form a reservoir that releases insulin slowly and steadily. - It lowers blood sugar in the same way as human insulin by providing a steady weekly dose. - The medicine is given once weekly as a subcutaneous injection with a prefilled FlexTouch pen. - The approval reduces basal insulin dosing frequency from seven shots per week to one. Summary: The approval introduces a once-weekly basal insulin option intended to maintain steady blood sugar lowering across a week and to reduce the number of weekly basal injections. Undetermined at this time.