Independent: New diabetes treatment developed... weekly single injection

The British newspaper The Independent reported that Eli Lilly has developed a new diabetes treatment that reduces the number of insulin injections some patients need by 86 percent. According to the newspaper, the new treatment for type 2 diabetes, known as Apezyza Alfa, is a once-weekly injection, replacing daily injections. The UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended this treatment; however, it has not yet been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Officials stated that evidence shows the weekly treatment can be as effective as daily injections, significantly reducing the number of injections from 365 per year to just 52, a decrease of approximately 86 percent. Officials believe that reducing the number of injections could make a significant difference, particularly for people who need assistance from others to administer insulin, including the elderly, vulnerable individuals, those with visual impairments, people with hand mobility issues, individuals with learning disabilities, those who struggle to follow injection steps, and patients who find it difficult to adhere to daily treatment regimens. Helen Knight, Director of Medicines Evaluation at NICE, said, “The shift from daily injections to a single weekly dose could make a real difference to the daily lives of people with type 2 diabetes, especially those who rely on a carer, a family member, or a healthcare professional to help them receive their injections.” She added, “The recommendation for this treatment is the result of a careful, evidence-based decision-making process that balances its benefits for patients with the best use of limited funding for the National Health Service.” For his part, Professor Frankie Sureda, Chief Medical Officer of the National Health Service, said, “Remembering and planning for daily insulin injections is a challenge for many people with diabetes.” He added that “shifting to a single weekly injection can make a significant difference, giving people more freedom in their daily lives, while also saving valuable time for carers and healthcare teams.”