Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of deferoxamine-based nanochelator in rats

Plain language summaryIron is an essential metal nutrient, but excess iron produces toxic effects that damage multiple organs including the heart, liver and pancreas. Deferoxamine (DFO) is a US FDA-approved drug for treating iron overload, but its use is limited by serious adverse effects and an inconvenient daily dose scheme. The recent development of a DFO-based nanomedicine (DFO-NP) has shown promise in treating iron overload in animals and was safer in animals. Before this new drug can be given to humans, how it is absorbed into the body, processed in the body and removed from the body when given in different amounts and dose routes must be determined. In this study, we tested the absorption, distribution and removal of DFO-NPs after intravenous and subcutaneous injection in rats. This study showed that DFO-NPs behave differently when changing the dose and that subcutaneous injection makes the drug stay in the body longer without ill effect, which means it could be given to patients this way. Aim: To characterize the pharmacokinetics of deferoxamine-conjugated nanoparticles (DFO-NPs), a novel nanochelator for removing excess iron. Materials & methods: The pharmacokinetics of DFO-NPs were evaluated in Sprague-Dawley rats at three doses (3.3, 10 and 30 mu mol/kg) after intravenous and subcutaneous administration. Results: DFO-NPs exhibited a biphasic concentration-time profile after intravenous administration with a short terminal half-life (2.0-3.2 h), dose-dependent clearance (0.111-0.179 l/h/kg), minimal tissue distribution and exclusive renal excretion with a possible saturable reabsorption mechanism. DFO-NPs after subcutaneous administration exhibited absorption-rate-limited kinetics with a prolonged half-life (5.7-10.1 h) and favorable bioavailability (47-107%). Conclusion: DFO-NPs exhibit nonlinear pharmacokinetics with increasing dose, and subcutaneous administration substantially improves drug exposure, thereby making it a clinically viable administration route for iron chelation.

Automated summary

In animal studies, DFO-NPs have shown promise in treating iron overload, and subcutaneous injection prolongs the drug's stay in the body without adverse effects, making it a viable administration route for patients.