Insulin icodec: A novel once‐weekly treatment for diabetes

Abstract

AbstractAimsTo summarize the results of clinical studies of insulin icodec, an investigational insulin analog designed for once‐weekly administration, in adults with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.MethodsThirteen published articles describing clinical studies of insulin icodec were identified in PubMed, and data pertinent to key study outcomes were selected for inclusion in this review.ResultsIn insulin‐naïve and insulin‐treated individuals, icodec demonstrated efficacy in glycaemic control superior or noninferior to that of insulins glargine U100, glargine U300 and degludec. Icodec exhibited a safety profile comparable to marketed insulins, with the exception of hypoglycaemic event rates.ConclusionsAs a once‐weekly alternative to daily basal insulin, icodec is expected to improve patient adherence and satisfaction, reducing the required number of injections per year from 365 to 52 and providing a dosing option potentially attractive to a wide range of insulin users. However, clinical data suggest a notable risk of hypoglycaemia with weekly icodec administration, especially in individuals with type 1 diabetes.