The Transfer of Molnupiravir and Nirmatrelvir Across the Human Placenta and Prediction of Drug Safety in Pregnancy
Zabek, M., Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository, 10427
Ex Vivo study showing placental transfer of molnupiravir (NHC) and nirmatrelvir in human placentas. Author used a placental perfusion model to assess drug transfer across the human placental barrier. Both compounds readily crossed the placental barrier at therapeutic and supratherapeutic concentrations, and were detectable on the fetal side within 10-20 minutes. The study suggests passive transfer as the main mechanism for both drugs, though efflux transporters may play a role for nirmatrelvir at therapeutic concentrations.
Zabek et al., 27 Sep 2024, preprint, 1 author.
Ex Vivo studies are an important part of preclinical research, however results may be very different in vivo.