Health Canada approves Chiesi Ferriprox MR Deferiprone ER tablets for patients with transfusional iron overload

FERRIPROX (deferiprone) was previously approved in Canada for the treatment of patients with transfusional iron overload due to thalassemia syndromes when current chelation therapy is inadequate in 2015, and subsequently approved for the treatment of iron overload in patients with SCD or other anemias in 2021.

“As a family business and a B Corp focused on the long-term support of rare disease communities, we have the opportunity to remain close to the patients, caregivers and their providers, always learning from them and responding to their needs,” said Giacomo Chiesi, head of Chiesi Global Rare Diseases. “That is why we found it important to pursue the development of a twice-a-day tablet formulation of FERRIPROX, which reflects our ongoing commitment to patients with transfusional iron overload.”

Thalassemia syndromes and SCD are disorders that affect red blood cells. Both conditions cause problems with hemoglobin, depriving many parts of the body of oxygen. People living with these conditions often require chronic blood transfusions that can put them at risk of developing very high levels of iron in their blood and vital organs. FERRIPROX is a synthetic, orally active iron-chelating agent shown to be effective in reducing iron concentration by penetrating cell membranes and removing toxic iron from organ tissues and extracellular fluids.

Chiesi is an international, research-focused biopharmaceuticals group that develops and markets innovative therapeutic solutions in respiratory health, rare diseases, and specialty care.