Ferumoxytol

Ferumoxytol is a superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPION) composed of a non-stoichiometric magnetite (Fe3O4) core and a polyglucose sorbitol carboxymethyl ether coating. It is an FDA-approved intravenous iron replacement therapy used to treat iron deficiency anemia, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease who cannot tolerate oral iron. The nanoparticle core provides a stable source of iron that is taken up by macrophages in the reticuloendothelial system, where it is processed and released into the systemic iron pool for hemoglobin synthesis. Due to its magnetic properties, ferumoxytol is also utilized off-label as a contrast agent in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the vasculature and macrophage-rich tissues. Additionally, the Fe3O4 core exhibits intrinsic catalytic activity, such as peroxidase-like behavior, which has prompted investigation into its use for treating biofilms and as an immunomodulatory agent in cancer therapy.

Other names

FerahemeRiensoUSPIOSPIONSuperparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticleFerumoxytol iron oxide nanoparticle

Uptake by reticuloendothelial system macrophages followed by release of iron for incorporation into ferritin or transferrin-bound transport to erythroid precursors.