Eli Lilly began US commercial rollout of Onswik, its once-weekly basal insulin, on Saturday, days after FDA approval for adults with type 2 diabetes. The drug cuts injections from 365 to 52 a year.

The FDA approved Onswik, known scientifically as efsitora alfa, this week for use alongside diet and exercise. Clinical trials showed blood sugar control comparable to daily insulin options such as insulin glargine.

Lilly said it would prioritise distribution through retail pharmacies and endocrinology clinics, with patient support and copay assistance programmes launching alongside the drug. Diabetes advocacy groups have pointed to reduced injection burden as a driver of adherence for the roughly 38 million Americans living with diabetes.

Endocrinologists said the weekly formulation could reshape basal insulin prescribing, particularly for newly diagnosed patients hesitant to start daily injections. The approval intensifies competition with Novo Nordisk, whose rival once-weekly insulin icodec has faced regulatory setbacks in the United States.

Lilly executives have framed Onswik as part of a broader diabetes and obesity portfolio that includes its GLP-1 franchise. Full pricing and formulary details will follow as insurer negotiations proceed.