Over a million people with type 2 diabetes could soon swap daily insulin injections for a weekly jab after the NHS spending watchdog approved a new drug. Clinical trials found that insulin efsitora alfa, sold as Onswik, works as well as existing treatments despite requiring only one injection per week.
NICE Backs Weekly Injection
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) said the move would "make a real difference" to the day-to-day lives of people with type 2 diabetes. Most of Britain's 4.2 million type 2 diabetics manage their condition with tablets, dieting or exercise, but around 25% need injections when their pancreas stops producing enough insulin.
These injections are usually taken at the same time each day. Onswik, produced by US pharmaceuticals giant Lilly, only needs to be taken once a week. NICE said type 2 diabetics switching to the weekly injection can expect similar blood glucose control to their current treatment.
Benefits for Patients and Carers
People who struggle to stick to their treatment routine stand to benefit most from the breakthrough, as well as those who are unable to give their own injections due to illness or disability. Helen Knight, director of medicines evaluation at NICE, said: "Moving from daily injections to a single weekly dose could make a real difference to the day-to-day lives of people with type 2 diabetes, especially those who rely on a carer, family member or healthcare professional to help them inject.
"This recommendation is the result of rigorous, evidence-based decision making, striking a balance between the benefits to patients and the best use of limited NHS funding."
Rollout Timeline and Separate Nations
After a 16-month review period, NICE announced on Thursday that it had recommended NHS-funded treatment in England. Final guidance will be issued next month, meaning it could be available on the NHS in England by the end of the year. The process is handled separately in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Manufacturer Lilly shelved earlier plans to push for UK approval for a similar weekly injection for type 1 diabetes, after clinical trials showed an increased risk of dangerous low blood sugar. The version for type 2 diabetics was found to be safe.
Charity Welcomes Approval
Charity Diabetes UK welcomed the approval and called for the NHS rollout to be readily available to all type 2 patients across the country. Douglas Twenefour, Head of Clinical at Diabetes UK, said: "This recommendation is an important step towards giving people with type 2 diabetes greater flexibility in how their condition is managed. For some, especially those with additional care needs, moving from daily insulin injections to a once-weekly option could help manage their diabetes more easily, improving their quality of life.
"Any NHS rollout should be supported by clear guidance, staff training and fair access. It's essential that everyone who could benefit is supported by their healthcare team to make informed decisions, and that this treatment helps reduce inequities in diabetes care."
