EP0051707A1 — Dextran polycarboxylic acids, ferric hydroxide complexes thereof, pharmaceutical compositions containing them and methods for their manufacture

USPTO Abstract

Novel dextran polycarboxylic acids and their ferric hydroxide complexes are described as well as methods for their preparation. The novel dextran polycarboxylic acid polymers are characterised by carboxylic acid groups preferably 2-10 in number located in pairs on intermediate glycosyl units in the polymer chain. The novel polymers are prepared by mild oxidation of a dextran or hydrogenated dextran to produce intermediate aldehyde groups and subsequent conversion of the aldehyde groups to carboxylic acid groups by further oxidation or by cyanidation and hydrolysis. Parenterally administrable compositions containing the ferric hydroxide complexes are also covered.