Novo’s Kyinsu Wins EU Approval for Type 2 Diabetes, a Once-Weekly Combo First

Novo's Kyinsu Wins EU Approval for Type 2 Diabetes, a Once-Weekly Combo First

Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE: NVO) announced that the European Commission (EC) has granted marketing authorization for Kyinsu (once‑weekly IcoSema), a fixed‑ratio combination of basal insulin icodec and GLP‑1 RA semaglutide, as an adjunct to diet and exercise for adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus inadequately controlled on basal insulin or GLP‑1 therapy, based on the COMBINE Phase IIIa trial program demonstrating superior HbA1c reduction vs. individual components.

Regulatory Milestone

ItemDetail
ProductKyinsu (IcoSema) – once‑weekly insulin icodec + semaglutide
CompanyNovo Nordisk A/S (NYSE: NVO)
AgencyEuropean Commission (EC)
Approval TypeMarketing authorization (first‑in‑class once‑weekly combo)
IndicationType 2 diabetes adjunct to diet/exercise + oral glucose‑lowering drugs
Trial BasisCOMBINE Phase IIIa program (3 trials)
Key ResultsSuperior HbA1c reduction vs. components; non‑inferior to basal‑bolus insulin; greater weight loss; lower hypoglycemia
Next StepCommercial rollout Q1 2026; U.S. FDA filing planned H1 2026

Drug Profile

  • Mechanism: Fixed‑ratio combination of once‑weekly basal insulin icodec and once‑weekly GLP‑1 receptor agonist semaglutide
  • Innovation: First and only once‑weekly injection combining basal insulin + GLP‑1 RA, reducing injection frequency from daily to weekly
  • Dosing: Single subcutaneous injection vs. separate daily basal insulin + weekly GLP‑1 or multiple daily basal‑bolus injections
  • Clinical Benefits: Superior glycemic control, pronounced weight loss, lower severe hypoglycemia rate vs. basal‑bolus regimen

Clinical Evidence – COMBINE Program

EndpointKyinsu (IcoSema)ComparatorResult
HbA1c reductionOnce‑weekly comboIndividual componentsSuperior
HbA1c vs basal‑bolusOnce‑weekly comboDaily basal‑bolus insulinNon‑inferior
Weight changeOnce‑weekly comboBasal‑bolus insulinGreater weight loss
Severe hypoglycemiaOnce‑weekly comboBasal‑bolus insulinLower rate
SafetyWell‑toleratedConsistent with componentsFavorable profile

Market Impact & Outlook

MetricValue
Global Type 2 Diabetes Market$45 billion (2024)
EU Type 2 Diabetes Patients~60 million diagnosed
Basal‑Insulin‑Treated Population~35% of patients (21 million)
GLP‑1‑Treated Population~15% of patients (9 million)
Peak Sales Forecast (Kyinsu)€3.5‑4.5 billion (US$3.8‑4.9 billion) EU peak by 2032
PricingExpected 20‑30% premium over separate component therapy
Competition: Novo’s own Ozempic + Tresiba (separate injections); Lilly’s Mounjaro (GLP‑1 only); Sanofi’s Soliqua (daily insulin/GLP‑1 combo)
Advantage: Once‑weekly dosing addresses patient convenience and adherence, critical in chronic disease management
  • Reimbursement Path: EC approval triggers national pricing negotiations; expected broad reimbursement given Novo’s established payer relationships
  • Manufacturing: Leverages existing semaglutide and icodec production capacity; minimal incremental capex required
  • Global Expansion: U.S. FDA submission H1 2026; filing in China (world’s largest diabetes market) expected H2 2026

Forward‑Looking Statements
This brief contains forward‑looking statements regarding Kyinsu’s commercial launch, market penetration, and global regulatory pathway. Actual results may differ materially due to risks including pricing negotiations, competitive responses, and real‑world adoption rates.-Fineline Info & Tech