Extension Study of Iron Chelation Therapy With Deferasirox in β-thalassemia and Rare Chronic Anemia Patients

Extension Study of Iron Chelation Therapy With Deferasirox in β-thalassemia and Other Patients With Rare Chronic Anemia and Transfusional Iron Overload

A 1-year randomized Phase II core trial was conducted to investigate the efficacy of deferasirox in regularly transfused patients with β-thalassemia and other rare chronic anemia 2 years of age and older. Patients who successfully completed the main trial may continue in the extension trial to receive chelation therapy with deferasirox for up to 3 years. Extension was prolonged to 4 years.

The objective of this study is to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of deferasirox in these patient groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients completed the planned 12-month core study
• Female patients who have reached menarche and who are sexually active must use double-barrier contraception, oral contraceptive plus barrier contraceptive, or must have undergone clinically documented total hysterectomy and/or ovariectomy, or tubal ligation
• Written informed consent obtained from the patient and/or legal guardian on the patient's behalf in accordance with the national legislation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant or breast feeding patients

Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply