Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of deferoxamine-based nanochelator in rats

Aim: To characterize the pharmacokinetics of deferoxamine-conjugated nanoparticles (DFO-NPs), a novel nanochelator for removing excess iron. Materials & methods: The pharmacokinetics of DFO-NPs were evaluated in Sprague–Dawley rats at three doses (3.3, 10 and 30 μmol/kg) after intravenous and subcutaneous administration. Results: DFO-NPs exhibited a biphasic concentration-time profile after intravenous administration with a short terminal half-life (2.0–3.2 h), dose-dependent clearance (0.111–0.179 l/h/kg), minimal tissue distribution and exclusive renal excretion with a possible saturable reabsorption mechanism. DFO-NPs after subcutaneous administration exhibited absorption-rate-limited kinetics with a prolonged half-life (5.7–10.1 h) and favorable bioavailability (47–107%). Conclusion: DFO-NPs exhibit nonlinear pharmacokinetics with increasing dose, and subcutaneous administration substantially improves drug exposure, thereby making it a clinically viable administration route for iron chelation.