This study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of deferasirox in patients with MDS, thalassemia and rare anemia patients with transfusion iron overload.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 2 years
2. Primary Diagnosis: Myelodysplastic Syndrome (presenting with low or intermediate-1 IPSS risk), thalassemia or rare anemias patients (anemia Diamond-Blackfan, Fanconi's anemia, Sideroblastic anemia, Red cell aplasia)
3. ECOG Performance Status ≤ 2
4. Transfusion overload confirmed with ferritin level >1000 µg/l.
5. No severe concomitant uncontrolled disease (uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, heart failure, renal failure).
6. Serum creatine level > ULN
7. No proteinuria
8. Liver enzymes level < 5 ULN.
9. No pregnancy or lactation
10. Signed informed consent by adults. In case inclusion of children under 18 years old, the informed consent should be signed by parents.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Age < 2 years
2. No iron overload (Ferritin level <1000 µg/l).
3. Primary iron overload (hereditary hemochromatosis)
4. Severe concomitant disease (uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, heart failure, renal failure)
5. Elevated serum creatinine > ULN or/and proteinuria
6. Liver enzymes level >5 ULN.
7. Pregnancy or lactation.

Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria may apply