Vasili Berdoukas OAM, M.B. B.S., FRACP

Comparing iron chelators for the treatment of thalassaemia – What are the differences? Learning Objectives Review the classes of iron chelators available in terms of their physiochemical characteristics and safety and efficacy Discuss the most recent clinical data evaluating the effect of different iron chelators on surrogate markers of iron chelation efficacy Learn about the impact on cardioprotection and survival for available iron chelators Please Login to access the archives The iron chelators, deferoxamine (Desferal), deferiprone (Ferriprox) and the recently licensed in some countries, deferasirox (ExJade) each have different physiochemical characteristics. Characteristics such as molecular weight, access to tissues, concentration in plasma, half lives, rates of chelation, solubility, chelation properties, toxicities and modes of excretion lead to the distinctive behaviour for each chelator. Consequently, this discussion will concentrate on the physicochemical characteristics of iron chelators that contribute to their behaviour and how they impact safety and efficacy when used as monotherapy or in combination. In addition, each chelator will be assessed using criteria common for defining the characteristics of what an ideal iron chelator should possess.