Weekly insulin jab recommended to reduce injections for type 2 diabetes

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) has recommended a new weekly insulin treatment for people with type 2 diabetes. The drug, known as insulin efsitora alfa or Onswik and manufactured by Eli Lilly, could reduce the annual number of injections from 365 to 52, an 86% reduction.

While Nice has issued its final draft guidance, the treatment still requires approval from the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) before it can be rolled out on the NHS. Health officials are currently awaiting this ruling to determine the timeline for availability.

The weekly injection is expected to be particularly beneficial for patients who require assistance with daily administration, such as those with sight loss, limited hand movement, learning disabilities, or frailty. Diabetes UK noted that the transition could improve quality of life and help manage the condition more easily for those with extra care needs.