Understanding how sertraline affects pregnant women with depression

Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic model in pregnant women with depression to guide sertraline dosing

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-10685934

This study is looking at how the antidepressant sertraline affects pregnant women with depression and anxiety, aiming to find the best way to use it so that moms can feel better while keeping their babies safe and healthy.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10685934 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the antidepressant sertraline works in pregnant women suffering from depression and anxiety. It aims to understand the changes in drug levels during pregnancy and how these changes impact both the mother's mental health and the health of the baby. By analyzing data from a large database of women with neuropsychiatric conditions, the study will use advanced modeling techniques to determine the best dosing strategies for sertraline during pregnancy. This approach seeks to ensure that mothers receive effective treatment while minimizing risks to their newborns.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women who are experiencing depression or anxiety and are prescribed sertraline.

Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not have depression or anxiety may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer antidepressant dosing for pregnant women, improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that pharmacokinetic modeling can effectively optimize medication dosing in various populations, suggesting potential success for this approach in pregnant women.

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.