KAUST develops wearable patch for real-time drug monitoring

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) have created a lightweight 6.7‑gram microneedle patch that continuously measures drug concentrations beneath the skin. The device samples interstitial fluid, uses electrochemical biosensors and Bluetooth to send real‑time readings to a smartphone, eliminating the need for periodic blood draws.

The platform was demonstrated with vancomycin, an antibiotic that requires precise dosing, showing stable tracking of drug levels over several hours in pre‑clinical tests. While the technology remains at an early stage and requires further clinical validation, the researchers suggest it could be adapted to monitor other medicines that need tight therapeutic control, potentially enabling more personalized treatments.

The study was published in the journal Device.