Exploring the potential of repurposed deferoxamine: bridging challenges and novel formulation opportunities

Since the FDA approval of deferoxamine mesylate (Desferal) in 1968, the characteristic low plasma half-life, low plasma protein binding (PB), constrained volume of distribution (Vd), and variety of adverse effects made the dosing, bioavailability, and patient compliance as the main hurdle for clinical application of Deferoxamine (DFO). Nevertheless, these pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic constraints have been lessened by recent developments in novel drug carrier systems, which has resulted in an increased acceptance of DFO. The effective use of this drug in the treatment of Alzheimer, Parkinson, cancer, wound healing, and ferroptosis has further increased its clinical importance. According to our literature search on various reputed databases such as ScienceDirect, Nature, Wiley, ACS, etc. accumulating results of last 18 years, there has been a significant increase in the overall number of studies conducted on various novel formulations and strategies regarding DFO e.g. polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, nanofibers, conjugates, photothermal therapy, etc. Clinical trial applications found on clinicaltrials.gov have doubled since 2020, and patent applications found on Google Patent have climbed by 320% since 2011. These results demonstrate DFO's versatility and its potential for usage not just in traditional applications but also as a repurposed therapeutic agent.