Universal Ferrous

Universal Ferrous was a UK-based biotechnology company dedicated to developing innovative iron replacement therapies. The company's core technology centered on ferric maltol, a stable iron complex designed to provide effective iron absorption with significantly fewer gastrointestinal side effects compared to conventional iron salts. In 2011, Universal Ferrous was acquired by Shield Therapeutics, which subsequently advanced ferric maltol through clinical trials and regulatory approval. Today, the product is marketed globally as Feraccru and Accrufer for the treatment of iron deficiency in adults, particularly those with inflammatory bowel disease. The company's work addressed a significant unmet need for patients who cannot tolerate standard oral iron supplements.