What is Ustekinumab?

Ustekinumab (Ustekinumab) is a human immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 monoclonal antibody directed against interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23, which are cytokines involved in immune and inflammatory responses. It is produced by immunizing human Ig (hu-Ig) transgenic mice with recombinant human IL-12. It is a class of biologically targeted disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) used to manage various inflammatory conditions involving activation of IL-12 and IL-23 signaling pathways.

Ustekinumab is a targeted antibody therapy used to control inflammatory diseases and is indicated for phototherapy or systemic treatment in patients 6 years of age and older with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis (Ps). In adult patients, it is also indicated for the treatment of active psoriatic arthritis (PsA), moderately to severely active Crohn's disease (CD), and moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (UC), either alone or in combination with methotrexate.

The generic drug Ustekinumab has been launched in China and is included in the medical insurance, and is only reimbursed for patients who meet the indications. The price of the 130mg/26ml intravenous injection preparation may be more than 5,000 yuan per box, and the price of the 90mg: 1.0ml*1 subcutaneous injection preparation may be more than 8,000 yuan per box. The price of the 130mg/26ml intravenous injection preparation of Ustekinumab sold overseas may be more than 2,000 US dollars per box, and the price of 45mg: 0.5ml*1 subcutaneous injection preparation per box may be more than 10,000 US dollars. There are currently no generic versions of ustekinumab produced in other overseas countries.