Iron Chelating Macromolecules for Intravascular Iron Chelation Therapy

摘要

The development of an iron chelating macromolecular therapeutic for intravascular delivery is reviewed, with particular emphasis on recent research by our group to design, synthesize, and evaluate a well-defined, intravenoeous, iron-chelating macromolecular therapeutic. Several crucial requirements influenced the design of the polymer to be used as a potentially effective parenteral drug. Firstly, the polymer should contain a therapeutic agent; in this case the ability to effectively chelate iron. Secondly, the polymer drug should be well-defined and easily varied in terms of both its physical characteristics (molecular weight, polydispersity) and its composition in order to influence the resulting pharmacokinetics of the drug. This was achieved using controlled polymerization via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) methods. Finally, the macromolecule should be blood compatible and degradable to allow for long circulation times and ease of clearance through the kidney.