Weekly Insulin Could Simplify Diabetes Treatment

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Novo Nordisk’s once-weekly long-acting basal insulin for adults with type 2 diabetes. The introduction of the weekly insulin is expected to simplify treatment for patients who previously required daily insulin injections. This long-acting basal insulin is used alongside diet and exercise to help control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients. The FDA approval followed a phase 3 clinical trial involving approximately 2,680 adults with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes. Test results showed the weekly insulin effectively lowered HbA1c levels with a safety profile generally consistent with daily basal insulin. Novo Nordisk’s President and CEO, Mike Doustdar, stated that developing the weekly basal insulin is part of the company’s efforts to introduce innovative therapies for diabetes patients. “Novo Nordisk’s move to provide weekly basal insulin reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting people with diabetes,” Mike said. In Indonesia, diabetes remains a significant health challenge. Novo Nordisk data indicates over 20 million adults in the country live with diabetes. However, patient adherence to treatment remains a challenge. A study cited by the company found some type 2 diabetes patients feel burdened by daily treatment, while others often forget to take their medication. This situation makes the weekly insulin a potentially more convenient therapeutic alternative that could improve patient adherence to diabetes treatment. For over 20 years, Novo Nordisk has introduced various diabetes therapies in Indonesia, including co-formulated insulin and GLP-1 therapies for type 2 diabetes and obesity.