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Captafer®
Captafer is an iron-chelating agent that binds and removes excess iron from the body to treat iron overload conditions.
Captafer is an iron-chelating agent that binds and removes excess iron from the body to treat iron overload conditions. Used for Chronic iron overload due to repeated blood transfusions (transfusional iron overload), Iron overload in patients with chronic hemolytic anemias.
At a glance
| Generic name | Captafer® |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | American University of Beirut Medical Center |
| Drug class | Iron chelator |
| Target | Ferric iron (Fe³⁺) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Hematology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Captafer works by forming stable complexes with ferric iron (Fe³⁺), facilitating its excretion through urine and feces. This mechanism helps reduce iron accumulation in organs such as the heart, liver, and endocrine glands, preventing iron-related tissue damage and organ dysfunction in patients with chronic iron overload from transfusions or hemolytic anemias.
Approved indications
- Chronic iron overload due to repeated blood transfusions (transfusional iron overload)
- Iron overload in patients with chronic hemolytic anemias
Common side effects
- Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea)
- Abdominal pain
- Rash or skin reactions
- Agranulocytosis or neutropenia
Key clinical trials
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |