Methodological issues in studying the effect of the new oral chelator 1,2-Dimethyl-3-Hydroxypyrid-4-One (L₁) on absorption of iron

Although deferoxamine is currently the drug of choice for iron chelation, there is more and more evidence of its toxicity. As a replacement for deferoxamine, 1,2-dimethyl-3-hydroxypyrid-4-one (L₁), a new oral iron chelator, is undergoing clinical studies in thalassemic patients. Iron handling in experimental acute iron intoxiciation is being studied in a multiphase study. Preliminary results suggest that the L₁-iron complex is not absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Methodological issues in studying iron chelation in the context of acute iron intoxication are presented.