Dolutegravir use in pregnancy and infant brain development

Integrase Inhibitors during pregnancy and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes: Underlying Mechanism and Therapeutic Intervention

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11320735

Looking at whether the HIV medicine dolutegravir can affect a baby's brain when taken during pregnancy and whether treatments can reduce any harm.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (OMAHA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11320735 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers will study how dolutegravir behaves in pregnancy and whether it reaches the fetal brain, using laboratory and animal models to trace the drug and its effects. Early lab data suggest dolutegravir can block enzymes called MMPs that help brain development, so the team will test that mechanism. They will also explore potential therapies or interventions that might protect the developing brain while keeping HIV controlled. The work aims to provide evidence that could guide safer use of dolutegravir in people who are pregnant or may become pregnant.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Pregnant people with HIV or people of childbearing potential taking or considering dolutegravir are the most relevant group for related clinical follow-up or enrollment.

Not a fit: People not exposed to dolutegravir, those without pregnancy exposure concerns, or those whose neurological issues have other known causes are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could enable safer use of dolutegravir in pregnancy by identifying ways to prevent or reduce harm to fetal brain development.

How similar studies have performed: Some clinical reports and animal studies have raised concerns and preliminary lab work suggests a plausible mechanism, but protective therapies for this specific issue remain novel and unproven.

Where this research is happening

OMAHA, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.