Insulin icodec, which will be sold under the brand name Awiqli, is shown in this handout photo. Many people with diabetes in Canada will soon be able to take insulin once a week instead of daily, drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk announced on Monday. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO-Novo Nordisk Canada
TORONTO - Novo Nordisk announced on Monday that insulin icodec, branded as Awiqli, will soon be available in Canada, offering a groundbreaking weekly injection option for diabetes treatment.
Health Canada approved Awiqli in March for adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, making Canada the first country to launch the product. Dr. Harpreet Bajaj from Diabetes Canada emphasized the potential benefits for patients, particularly in reducing the burden of daily insulin injections.
While the product is approved for both types of diabetes, experts suggest it may be more advantageous for Type 2 patients who require basal insulin to manage fasting glucose levels.
Clinical trials, conducted globally including in Canada and the U.S., primarily focused on Type 2 diabetes patients, demonstrating efficacy with fewer injections and potentially better adherence. However, concerns remain about its cost, estimated at over $1,350 annually per patient, which could limit accessibility despite its advantages.
