Deferiprone (Ferriprox), an orally active iron chelator, has been launched
in the UK. It was approved by the European Commission last year (PJ, September
18, 1999, p412).
Deferiprone is licensed for the treatment of iron overload in patients with
thalassaemia major for whom desferrioxamine injection is contraindicated or
for those who present with serious toxicity from desferrioxamine (see p586).
Until now, desferrioxamine injection was the only iron chelator for use in thalassaemia
major. However, at recommended dosage, deferiprone may be less effective than
desferrioxamine. The summary of product characteristics for deferiprone says
that in a two-year study comparing deferiprone with desferioxamine, the mean
hepatic iron concentration in deferiprone-
treated patients increased more than in patients treated with desferrioxamine.
Desferiprone will be distributed by Swedish Orphan International AB on behalf
of Apotex, the marketing authorisation holder.