Predicting how medications transfer into breast milk
Official title: PBPK Modeling & Simulation to Predict Transporter-Mediated Drug Secretion into Human Breast Milk
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10914057 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how medications taken by breastfeeding moms can get into their breast milk and affect their babies, helping to find safer ways for moms to take medicine while nursing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $637,191 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD112282-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914057 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are lactating women who are currently taking medications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not breastfeeding or who are not taking any medications will not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how medications taken by breastfeeding women may enter breast milk and affect infants. It uses advanced modeling techniques to predict the concentration of drugs in breast milk based on their presence in the mother's blood. By understanding these transfer mechanisms, the study aims to provide safer breastfeeding practices for mothers who need to take medications. The research addresses a critical gap in knowledge regarding the impact of drug exposure on breastfeeding infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer medication guidelines for breastfeeding mothers, minimizing risks to infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using pharmacokinetic modeling to predict drug transfer in other populations, but this specific approach for breastfeeding has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hebert, Mary F — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Hebert, Mary F
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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.