Iron Chelators or Therapeutic Modulators of Iron Overload: Are We Anywhere Near Ideal One?

Iron overload is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in chronic transfusion-dependent states commonly exemplified by transfusion-dependent beta-thalassaemia syndromes [including non-transfusion-dependent (NTD) thalassaemia intermedia] as well as transfusion-dependent myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Hence, therapeutic iron chelation is indicated in these conditions.

It is hoped that many more novel molecules or combination of molecules or repurposing of old molecules singly or in combination for removal of iron with novel mechanism of action or prevention of gastrointestinal absorption of iron will be developed in the future. These may improve iron chelation and overall improvement of health in multitransfused thalassaemia major and other patients in the future.