For the first time, once-weekly basal insulin has been approved in India, marking one of the biggest advances in insulin therapy in decades.
The approved molecule is Insulin Icodec, a long-acting basal insulin designed to provide 7-day glucose control with a single weekly injection.
What is Insulin Icodec?
Insulin Icodec is an ultra-long-acting basal insulin analogue developed for adults with diabetes requiring basal insulin therapy.
Key Point
- 1 injection every week
- Replaces 7 daily basal insulin injections
How Does It Last for 7 Days?
Insulin Icodec has been engineered to:
- Bind strongly to albumin
- Be released slowly into circulation
- Maintain stable insulin levels throughout the week
This provides a continuous basal insulin effect without major peaks.
Advantages Over Daily Basal Insulin
- Only 1 injection per week
- Better treatment adherence
- Reduced injection fatigue
- Similar HbA1c reduction compared with daily basal insulin in clinical trials
- May improve patient satisfaction and quality of life
Which Patients May Benefit?
Once-weekly insulin may be considered for:
- Type 2 diabetes requiring basal insulin
- Patients reluctant to start insulin because of daily injections
- Individuals with poor adherence to daily basal insulin
Clinical use should always follow physician guidance and approved prescribing recommendations.
Is It for Type 1 Diabetes?
Current approval and clinical use primarily focus on adults with Type 2 diabetes requiring basal insulin.
Its role in Type 1 diabetes remains more limited and depends on regulatory approvals and clinical guidance.
Important Clinical Points
- It is basal insulin, not mealtime insulin.
- Rapid-acting insulin is still required when indicated.
- Weekly dosing requires careful initiation and dose titration.
- Missing one dose can have a larger impact than missing a single daily basal dose.
NEET PG Pearls
|
Feature |
High-Yield Fact |
|
Drug |
Insulin Icodec |
|
Frequency |
Once weekly |
|
Type |
Ultra-long-acting basal insulin |
|
Major Benefit |
Improves adherence by reducing injections |
|
Replaces |
Daily basal insulin |
|
Not Used As |
Prandial (mealtime) insulin |
Memory Trick
ICODEC = I COME Once Every Week
Remember:
Icodec is Once Weekly Basal Insulin
NEET PG/ INICET / FMGE MCQ
A newly approved basal insulin in India provides glycemic control with a single injection every week. Which insulin is being described?
- Insulin Lispro
- Insulin Glargine
- Insulin Icodec
- Insulin Aspart
Answer: C. Insulin Icodec
Explanation: Insulin Icodec is an ultra-long-acting basal insulin analogue that maintains glucose control for one week, significantly reducing the number of injections required compared with conventional daily basal insulin.
Dr Marwah
NEET PG Educator for 2 decades generating good, ethical doctors