WEDNESDAY, Jan. 23 (HealthDay News) -- Exjade (deferasirox) has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to remove excess iron in the blood among people with the genetic blood disorder non-transfusion-dependent thalassemia (NTDT).
Thalassemia typically leads to the production of fewer red blood cells and less hemoglobin. NTDT is a milder form of thalassemia that, unlike other forms, does not require frequent blood transfusions. Thalassemia affects about 1,000 people in the United States, the FDA said.
The FDA previously approved Exjade to treat chronic iron overload among people who require blood transfusions.
The drug is produced by Novartis, based in East Hanover, N.J.
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