Deferasirox: the new oral iron chelator.
Deferasirox is a new tridentate oral iron chelator developed by computer remodeling recently approved by FDA for children above 2 years. Phase II/III trials have demonstrated similar efficacy to desferrioxamine and better chelation efficiency. Adverse events were minor and growth remained unaffected. Data on cardiac iron chelation is limited although some studies have shown it comparable to deferiprone. The benefit to risk profile of deferasirox is favorable. This promising new drug might decrease the burden of subcutaneous or intravenous infusion improving compliance and hence the life expectation in thalassemic patients.
Dubey
A P
AP
Department of Pediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi 110 002, India. apdubey52@rediffmail.com
Sudha
S
S
Parakh
Ankit
A
D001565:Benzoates / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D000077588:Deferasirox; D006801:Humans; D007502:Iron Chelating Agents / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013789:Thalassemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014230:Triazoles / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*