Ferric derisomaltose

Iron deficiency is an extremely common condition and is the most frequent cause of anemia worldwide. Iron deficiency results when iron intake, iron stores, and loss of iron from the body do not adequately support production of erythrocytes, also known as red blood cells. Though it is generally considered non life-threatening, iron deficiency may considerably affect quality of life.

Ferric derisomaltose is a form of iron used in the treatment of iron deficiency. This drug is a complex of iron (III) hydroxide and derisomaltose. The latter is an iron carbohydrate oligosaccharide that works to release iron. Ferric derisomaltose was developed by Pharmacosmos Therapeutics ad was granted FDA approval in January 2020. Clinical trials show that it is non-inferior to iron sucrose, another form of iron that is often administered in iron deficiency, and less likely to cause serious hypersensitivity that is associated with other forms of injectable iron.

This drug is indicated for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in adult patients who have experienced intolerance to oral iron preparations or insufficient clinical response to orally administered iron. Ferric derisomaltase is also indicated for patients with non-hemodialysis dependent chronic kidney disease. In Australia and United Kingdom, ferric derisomaltase is indicated for cases in which rapid delivery of iron is required.