Understanding how antiseizure medications affect pregnant women and breastfeeding infants

Physiological-based Pharmacokinetics Approach to Determine the Extent of Drug Exposure of Antiseizure Medications During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-11180105

This study is looking at how antiseizure medications affect pregnant women with epilepsy and their breastfeeding babies, aiming to find the best ways to keep both mom and baby healthy while managing seizures.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11180105 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the effects of antiseizure medications on pregnant women with epilepsy and their breastfeeding infants. It aims to balance the need for these medications to prevent seizures against potential risks to fetal and infant development. Using physiological-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) methods, the study will analyze drug exposure levels in both mothers and their children, providing insights into optimal dosing strategies. The research will utilize existing clinical data, animal studies, and new samples to create accurate models of drug exposure.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women with epilepsy who are currently taking antiseizure medications and breastfeeding mothers.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, or those without epilepsy, may not receive benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer medication practices for pregnant women with epilepsy, ultimately improving health outcomes for both mothers and their children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using pharmacokinetic modeling to understand drug exposure, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.