WashU Medicine Publishes First Study on Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir in Breastmilk
Researchers at WashU Medicine published the first study measuring glecaprevir/pibrentasvir levels in breastmilk among postpartum women treated for chronic hepatitis C, according to Clinical Infectious Diseases. The findings indicate that infant exposure through breastfeeding is minimal, offering reassuring evidence to support consideration of GLE/PIB during lactation. Published on September 25, 2026, the study addresses an important gap in postpartum HCV care.
Collaboration Behind the Postpartum Hepatitis C Study
This scientific investigation represents a collaborative project carried out by the Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, the Department of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases, and the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Ultrasound at WashU Medicine. Laura Marks and Madeline McCrary served as lead authors on the paper. Their work focuses on closing care gaps for postpartum patients, who often experience low rates of linkage to treatment following delivery.
Clinical Implications for Lactating Patients
Low rates of maternal treatment linkage after childbirth present ongoing challenges in managing chronic hepatitis C. By tracking glecaprevir/pibrentasvir concentrations in breastmilk, the WashU Medicine team provides data to help clinicians evaluate treatment options during the postpartum period. The results suggest that infant drug exposure via lactation is minimal, supporting safety considerations for nursing mothers who require antiviral therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Study
What medication levels were measured in the breastmilk study?
Researchers measured concentrations of the direct-acting antiviral combination glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (GLE/PIB) in milk samples provided by postpartum patients receiving treatment for chronic hepatitis C.
When were the findings officially released?
The study was published on September 25, 2026, in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases under the doi: 10.1093/cid/ciag503.
Which departments participated in the research?
Participating groups in this work included the Center for Women’s Infectious Disease Research, the Department of Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases, and the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine & Ultrasound at WashU Medicine.
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