Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Weekly Insulin Treatment Could Cut Diabetes Injections to 52
A new insulin treatment could let some people with type 2 diabetes take one injection each week.
Some people currently need an injection every day.
NICE has recommended the treatment, called efsitora alfa or Onswik.
It could reduce injections from 365 to 52 each year.
This may help people who need carers or find injections difficult.
The treatment is not available on the NHS yet.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency must approve it first.
Diabetes UK says rollout should include training and fair access.
NICE has recommended weekly insulin efsitora alfa, also known as Onswik, for some people with type 2 diabetes.
If approved and introduced, the treatment could reduce injections from 365 per year to 52.
People who rely on carers or have difficulty with daily injections could benefit most.
Efsitora alfa still requires approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency before NHS use.
Diabetes UK says any rollout should include clear guidance, staff training and fair access.
- Who
- People with type 2 diabetes who require insulin, particularly those needing help with injections.
- What
- NICE has recommended weekly insulin efsitora alfa, which could reduce injections from 365 to 52 annually.
- When
- The recommendation was made in NICE’s final draft guidance; a rollout date has not been set.
- Where
- The recommendation applies directly to the NHS in England; Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland use separate or related assessment processes.
- Why
- The treatment could make insulin management easier for people who struggle with daily injections or depend on carers, relatives or healthcare professionals.
- Treatment
- Insulin efsitora alfa, also known as Onswik
- Recommended by
- The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
- Manufacturer
- Eli Lilly
- Injection frequency
- Once weekly instead of once daily
- Annual reduction
- From 365 injections to 52, or 313 fewer injections
- Regulatory status
- Awaiting approval from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
- Potential beneficiaries
- People with type 2 diabetes who rely on carers or find daily injections difficult