Awiqli has become the first and only once-weekly basal insulin treatment for adults with type 2 diabetes approved by the FDA. Developed by Novo Nordisk, the drug known generically as insulin icodec-abae reduces injections from once-a-day down to just once-a-week, offering a long-acting basal insulin alternative designed to fit more easily into people’s daily routines. Awiqli is administered using a FlexTouch pen and injected under the skin of the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen on the same day each week.

On March 26, 2026, the FDA officially approved Awiqli, making it the first and only once-weekly basal insulin option available in the United States. The approval applies specifically to adults with type 2 diabetes as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control. It is not yet known whether Awiqli is safe or effective for children and adolescents.

The FDA's decision was based on results from the ONWARDS phase 3 clinical program, a set of four randomized, active-controlled trials involving approximately 2,680 adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. Across those studies, Awiqli demonstrated meaningful reductions in A1C compared against daily basal insulin options. Its overall safety profile was found to be largely consistent with the broader basal insulin class, with common side effects including low blood sugar, injection-site reactions, weight gain, rash, and swelling.

For the type 2 diabetes community, this approval represents more than just a new drug on the market. Research has suggested that weekly injectable diabetes medications can be associated with better patient adherence, and for those who struggle to maintain a daily injection routine, a once-weekly option could be a genuine game-changer. If you want to learn more about where innovation in diabetes care is headed, check out our podcast where we have covered the future of insulin in depth.

Novo Nordisk says the medication should be available nationwide in the coming months. Until then, the company is working to ensure broad access across.

Disclaimer: Diabetech content is not medical advice—it’s for educational purposes only. Always consult with a physician before making changes to your healthcare.