Ferric maltol for treating iron deficiency anaemia in children and adolescents aged 1 month to 17 years

Ferric maltol is in clinical development for the treatment of children and adolescents with iron deficiency anaemia. Iron deficiency anaemia is diminished red blood cell production due to low iron stores in the body, and can develop because of malnutrition, malabsorption, or blood loss. Iron deficiency, with or without anaemia, adversely affects overall health and well-being, daily activities, productivity, and quality of life. Traditional iron replacement therapies have been associated with poor absorption of elemental iron; adverse effects which have limited their efficacy and reduced compliance, or requiring hospital attendance for intravenous iron administration which may be difficult or inconvenient for patients. There is need for more treatment options that provide adequate absorption of iron, produce a faster response, and are better tolerated than the currently available treatment options.