Understanding how drugs pass through the placenta during pregnancy

Placental Passage and Disposition of Drugs: A Physiology-based Approach

Observational Radboud University Medical Center · NCT02438631

This study is trying to see how well different medications can cross the placenta during pregnancy to help doctors figure out the best dosages for pregnant women and understand how these drugs might affect their babies.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment2000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorRadboud University Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nijmegen, Gelderland)
Trial IDNCT02438631 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to integrate outcomes from physiology-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models to better understand drug passage through the placenta in pregnant women. The researchers will validate these models using real-life maternal and fetal pharmacokinetic data, particularly from the PANNA network. The goal is to assist in designing appropriate drug dosing for pregnant women and to guide the development of new drugs by predicting their effects on the fetus.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are pregnant women over 38 weeks gestation who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with retained placenta, HIV infection, known hepatitis C infection, multiple pregnancies, congenital birth defects in the child, or those undergoing a Sectio EXIT procedure may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to safer and more effective drug therapies for pregnant women and their babies.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing PBPK models have shown promise in understanding drug pharmacokinetics, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Female
* Age \> 18
* Signed informed consent
* \>38 weeks pregnant

Exclusion Criteria:

* Retained placenta
* HIV infected
* Known hepatitis C infection
* Multiple pregnancy
* Congenital birth defects child
* Sectio EXIT procedure

Where this trial is running

Nijmegen, Gelderland

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Pregnancyplacentaplacental passage
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.