Last reviewed · How we verify
intravenous iron carboxymaltose
Iron carboxymaltose is a ferric iron complex that delivers iron directly into the bloodstream to replenish depleted iron stores and restore hemoglobin production.
Iron carboxymaltose is a ferric iron complex that delivers iron directly into the bloodstream to replenish depleted iron stores and restore hemoglobin production. Used for Iron deficiency anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease, Iron deficiency anemia in patients with heart failure, Iron deficiency anemia in patients intolerant to or unresponsive to oral iron therapy.
At a glance
| Generic name | intravenous iron carboxymaltose |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | University of Zurich |
| Drug class | Intravenous iron replacement agent |
| Target | Iron (Fe³⁺) delivery system; transferrin receptor-mediated uptake |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Hematology |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
The drug consists of ferric iron bound to carboxymaltose, a carbohydrate polymer that protects the iron and facilitates its transport. Once administered intravenously, the iron is released and taken up by transferrin and ferritin, allowing rapid repletion of iron stores in patients with iron deficiency. This bypasses gastrointestinal absorption limitations and enables faster correction of iron deficiency anemia compared to oral iron supplementation.
Approved indications
- Iron deficiency anemia in patients with chronic kidney disease
- Iron deficiency anemia in patients with heart failure
- Iron deficiency anemia in patients intolerant to or unresponsive to oral iron therapy
Common side effects
- Injection site reactions (pain, discoloration)
- Headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Hypophosphatemia
- Abdominal pain
Key clinical trials
- Effect of Intravenous Iron on Quality of Life in Older Patients With Acute Coronary Syndrome (PHASE4)
- EFFICACY OF IV VERSUS ORAL IRON IN THE TREATMENT OF IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA DURING PREGNANCY (PHASE1)
- Iron Infusion in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation (PHASE4)
- Comparison of Oral vs Intravenous Iron Therapy for the Treatment of Postpartum Anemia (NA)
- Postoperative i.v. Iron Substitution in Patients With Diagnosed Iron Deficiency (PHASE3)
- An Open Study on the Efficacy of Iron Therapy Using iv Iron Relative to Oral Iron for Increasing LV Systolic Function (NA)
- Intravenous Iron for Treatment of Anaemia Before Cardiac Surgery (PHASE4)
- Methemoglobinemia Following Intravenous Iron Treatment
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 |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- intravenous iron carboxymaltose CI brief — competitive landscape report
- intravenous iron carboxymaltose updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Zurich portfolio CI