Samsung Medical Center Launches Personalized Drug Monitoring for Ustekinumab
Seoul, Monday, 17 November 2025.
Samsung Medical Center is pioneering personalized medicine by optimizing drug monitoring for ustekinumab, enhancing treatment for autoimmune conditions like psoriasis and Crohn’s disease.
The Objective of the Study
The clinical study at Samsung Medical Center aims to optimize therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for ustekinumab, a biologic therapy used in autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and Crohn’s disease. The study’s primary focus is to address the variability in drug concentrations and efficacy among patients, which have been significant hurdles in achieving optimal therapeutic outcomes [1].
Significance of Personalized Medicine
Personalized medicine represents a shift from traditional one-size-fits-all treatment approaches, allowing for more tailored therapeutic strategies. By personalizing the drug monitoring of ustekinumab, the study seeks to establish more precise correlations between drug levels and patient outcomes. This could potentially transform current treatment protocols, leading to improved patient care and outcomes in chronic conditions [1][2].
Current Challenges and Opportunities
Variability in ustekinumab’s therapeutic trough levels (TLs) has been observed, particularly influenced by patients’ previous exposure to biologics. Patients with prior biologic experience have lower ustekinumab TLs compared to biologic-naïve patients, which affects the drug’s efficacy [1]. This study hopes to provide data that could guide adjustments in dosing to optimize treatment, especially in biologic-experienced patients.
Potential Impact on Treatment Protocols
If successful, the study could lead to significant changes in how ustekinumab therapy is administered, potentially setting new standards for TDM in biologic treatments. The incorporation of personalized monitoring could reduce the incidence of treatment failure and adverse effects, enhancing the overall quality of care for patients with autoimmune diseases [1].