Deferitrin

Deferitrin is a novel, orally available iron chelator. Deferitrin may be useful as chelation monotherapy or as part of combination or doublet chelation therapy for the treatment of severe iron overload in patients with beta-thalassemia major if its favorable pharmacokinetic profile, efficacy, safety and tolerability are confirmed in more extensive clinical trials. A phase I/II clinical trial that began in September 2003 has reportedly completed recruitment. Deferitrin was safe, well-tolerated, and well-absorbed either with food and fasting in beta-thalassemia patients. Renal excretion of deferitrin uncomplexed with iron was similar to that seen in preclinical studies, which predict iron excretion to be via the fecal route. Further studies are ongoing to define the effect of deferitrin on iron balance.