Prestigious NIH Award Supports Research of Methamphetamine Use Disorder in Pregnancy
Prestigious NIH Award Supports Research of Methamphetamine Use Disorder in Pregnancy
Media Contact:
Patricia Brandt
PR/Communications Manager
Huntsman Mental Health Institute
University of Utah Health
Email: Patricia.Brandt@hsc.utah.edu
Huntsman Mental Health Institute and the Department of Psychiatry at University of Utah announce that Rana Jawish, MD, assistant professor of psychiatry, has received a prestigious National Institutes of Health (NIH) K23 Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
The five-year, $1 million award will support Dr. Jawish's research on transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) as a potential treatment for methamphetamine use disorder during pregnancy, a population with limited evidence-based treatment options and significant barriers to care.
The K23 award provides protected research time and advanced training to help physician-scientists become independent investigators. For Dr. Jawish, it supports a research program focused on addiction psychiatry, maternal mental health, and neuromodulation.
KEY POINTS
- Five-year, $1 million K23 grant to advance research in maternal mental health, addiction psychiatry, and neuromodulation
- First-of-its-kind clinical trial will evaluate TMS as a potential treatment for methamphetamine use disorder during pregnancy
IMPACT: By pioneering new treatment approaches during pregnancy, this NIH-funded research offers hope for a vulnerable population with limited treatment options, helping improve outcomes for both parents and infants while advancing maternal mental health care in Utah and beyond.
Addressing a Critical Gap in Care
Methamphetamine use disorder is a growing public health concern, especially during pregnancy, affecting up to 5% of pregnancies in some regions where methamphetamine use is prevalent. Despite serious risks for both parent and infant, there are currently no FDA-approved medications specifically for the condition.
Pregnant individuals experiencing substance use and/or depression often have very few evidence-based treatment options available to them. This work is focused on developing safe, effective, and acceptable treatments that improve outcomes for both parent and child.
Dr. Jawish's study, Developing Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a Therapeutic Modality for Methamphetamine Use Disorder During Pregnancy, will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of TMS in pregnant patients with methamphetamine use disorder.
TMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation treatment approved by the FDA for several conditions, including major depressive disorder and nicotine dependence. Research suggests it may reduce methamphetamine cravings and support abstinence, while also demonstrating favorable safety outcomes for treating depression during pregnancy. However, TMS has not previously been studied for methamphetamine use disorder during pregnancy.
A First-of-Its-Kind Clinical Trial
As part of the award, Dr. Jawish will lead what is believed to be the first clinical trial evaluating TMS for methamphetamine use disorder during pregnancy.
The mixed-methods study will enroll 45 pregnant participants, who will be randomized to one of three groups: a four-week daily TMS protocol, a two-week accelerated TMS protocol, or treatment as usual. Researchers will assess treatment feasibility and gather feedback from patients, caregivers, and clinicians, while also evaluating maternal and neonatal outcomes.
Findings will inform future clinical trials and help guide the development of treatment approaches tailored to pregnant individuals with substance use disorders.
The project has also received support from NeuroStar, which donated a TMS device to the institute. The device will support the launch of the clinical trial in 2026 and expand access to TMS treatment for pregnant patients receiving care at the institute, particularly those seeking non-pharmacological alternatives for depression.
The trial will be conducted under an FDA Investigational Device Exemption (IDE), highlighting the rigor and national significance of the research.
Advancing Maternal Mental Health Care
"This is the very definition of translational research," says Jawish. "We're taking what we know from neuroscience, psychiatric care, obstetrics, and addiction treatment and bringing it directly to patients who urgently need better options."
By evaluating a novel intervention for pregnant individuals with methamphetamine use disorder, the study aims to address a longstanding treatment gap and generate evidence for new approaches that support both maternal and infant health.
The need is especially relevant in Utah, where fertility rates remain among the highest in the nation and methamphetamine use has increased over the past decade. Stigma, fear of judgment, and limited treatment options often prevent pregnant individuals from seeking care.
If successful, the research could improve outcomes for parents and infants while expanding treatment options for families in Utah and beyond.
Too many pregnant individuals struggling with depression and/or methamphetamine use disorder have suffered in silence. They deserve access to innovative, evidence-based treatments that recognize both their medical needs and their dignity as patients.
The NIH K23 award recognizes the innovation and potential impact of Dr. Jawish's work and further strengthens the University of Utah's leadership in maternal mental health and addiction medicine. While the K23 provides critical support for launching the research program, continued philanthropic investment will be essential to expanding access to TMS, supporting future clinical trials, and accelerating the development of new treatment options for pregnant individuals affected by substance use disorders.
Most importantly, this research offers hope for healthier pregnancies, healthier infants, and healthier futures for families in Utah and beyond.
