Neurodevelopmental effects of gabapentin exposure before birth
Official title: Neurodevelopmental Effects of Gestational Gabapentin Exposure
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-11367266 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study examines how exposure to gabapentin during pregnancy may affect a child’s brain development and behavior.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | September 21, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $572,237 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD118454-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11367266 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include pregnant individuals exposed to gabapentin during pregnancy or children with neurodevelopmental concerns whose mothers used gabapentin.
✕Less likely to help
Pregnant people not using gabapentin or children without exposure to the drug are less likely to benefit.
What this research studies
Pregnant people taking gabapentin could have children who experience changes in brain development. The study will use existing data and safe animal and cell-based models to explore how gabapentin affects synapse formation and later neurodevelopment. Researchers aim to map exposure levels to potential developmental outcomes and identify mechanisms that could explain any risks. Findings could help doctors counsel patients and guide safer treatment choices during pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could improve guidance for gabapentin use in pregnancy and support safer options for fetal brain development.
How similar studies have gone: Prior animal studies show gabapentin can alter synapse formation, but human relevance is not yet clear; this study seeks to bridge that gap.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Forcelli, Patrick Alexander — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Forcelli, Patrick Alexander
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.