Serum ferritin molecule dissolving with light shining on it.

Iron Overload? New Insights into Deferasirox Treatment & Ferritin Levels

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A Deep Dive into How Film-Coated Deferasirox Tablets Can Impact Ferritin Levels in Patients with Iron Overload: What the ECLIPSE Study Reveals"

Iron overload can be a serious health concern, often requiring ongoing treatment to manage its effects. One common therapy involves the use of iron chelators, medications that help the body remove excess iron. Deferasirox is one such medication, known for its effectiveness and tolerability. However, questions about its administration and long-term impact continue to drive research and innovation in the field.

Traditionally, deferasirox has been available in dispersible tablets (DT), but these can sometimes present challenges in terms of ease of use and palatability, potentially affecting patient adherence. A newer formulation, film-coated tablets (FCT), aims to address these issues. The ECLIPSE trial (NCT02125877) was designed to compare the efficacy and safety of these two formulations, providing valuable insights into their impact on patients with iron overload.

This article delves into the findings of the ECLIPSE study, with a particular focus on how deferasirox FCT affects serum ferritin levels—a key indicator of iron levels in the body. By understanding these results, patients and healthcare providers can make more informed decisions about iron overload management.

ECLIPSE Study: Unveiling the Impact of Deferasirox FCT on Ferritin Levels

Serum ferritin molecule dissolving with light shining on it.

The ECLIPSE trial was a significant study comparing film-coated deferasirox tablets (FCT) with dispersible tablets (DT) in patients experiencing iron overload. One of the key objectives was to evaluate how each formulation affected serum ferritin levels over a six-month period. Serum ferritin is a crucial marker, as it reflects the amount of iron stored in the body. By monitoring ferritin levels, doctors can assess the effectiveness of iron chelation therapy.

The study revealed that both FCT and DT formulations had similar safety profiles during the six-month treatment period. However, an interesting observation emerged: patients treated with FCT experienced fewer gastrointestinal-related adverse events and reported more favorable outcomes compared to those on DT. This suggests that FCT may offer a more comfortable and convenient treatment experience for some individuals.

FCT may lead to better patient adherence due to improved tolerability.
Monitoring serum ferritin is crucial for assessing treatment effectiveness.
Both FCT and DT have similar safety profiles.
FCT was linked to reduced gastrointestinal issues.

Beyond the initial six months, the ECLIPSE study data provided an opportunity to explore the longer-term effects of deferasirox FCT on serum ferritin levels. Although the study's primary endpoint was at six months, researchers used mathematical modeling to predict what might happen if treatment continued for a full year. This analysis suggested that patients treated with FCT would likely experience a greater reduction in serum ferritin levels compared to those on DT.

Implications and Future Directions

The ECLIPSE study provides valuable insights into the use of deferasirox film-coated tablets for managing iron overload. The findings suggest that FCT may offer a more tolerable and potentially more effective treatment option for some patients, leading to better adherence and improved outcomes. However, further research is needed to confirm these long-term benefits and to explore the factors that contribute to treatment success. For individuals managing iron overload, these findings offer a promising step forward in optimizing their care and improving their quality of life.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1002/ajh.25322, Alternate LINK

Title: Predicting Serum Ferritin Levels In Patients With Iron Overload Treated With The Film-Coated Tablet Of Deferasirox During The Eclipse Study

Subject: Hematology

Journal: American Journal of Hematology

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Ali T. Taher, Sebastian Weber, Jackie Han, Andreas Bruederle, John B. Porter

Published: 2018-11-15

Everything You Need To Know

What is Deferasirox and what was the purpose of the ECLIPSE study in relation to it?

Deferasirox is an iron chelator medication used to remove excess iron from the body, helping to manage iron overload. It has been available in dispersible tablet form, but a newer film-coated tablet formulation aims to improve ease of use and tolerability. The ECLIPSE study compared these two formulations to evaluate their efficacy and safety in patients with iron overload.

What specific aspect of iron overload did the ECLIPSE study focus on, and why is it important?

The ECLIPSE study primarily focused on evaluating the impact of deferasirox film-coated tablets (FCT) on serum ferritin levels in patients experiencing iron overload. Serum ferritin is a key indicator reflecting the amount of iron stored in the body. By monitoring these levels, doctors can assess how effectively the deferasirox treatment is reducing iron overload.

What were the key safety and tolerability findings of the ECLIPSE study when comparing film-coated deferasirox tablets (FCT) to dispersible tablets (DT)?

The ECLIPSE study revealed that both film-coated tablets (FCT) and dispersible tablets (DT) of deferasirox had similar safety profiles over the six-month treatment period. However, patients treated with FCT experienced fewer gastrointestinal-related adverse events and reported more favorable outcomes. This suggests that the FCT formulation may offer a more comfortable and convenient treatment experience, potentially improving patient adherence.

Beyond the initial six months, what did the ECLIPSE study data suggest about the long-term effects of deferasirox film-coated tablets (FCT) on serum ferritin levels?

Mathematical modeling of the ECLIPSE study data suggested that patients treated with deferasirox film-coated tablets (FCT) would likely experience a greater reduction in serum ferritin levels compared to those on dispersible tablets (DT) if treatment continued for a full year. Although the study's primary endpoint was at six months, this projection indicates a potential long-term benefit of using FCT for managing iron overload. However, these findings need to be confirmed through further research and clinical trials.

What are the broader implications of the ECLIPSE study's findings for individuals managing iron overload, and what future research directions are recommended?

The ECLIPSE study offers promising insights, suggesting that deferasirox film-coated tablets (FCT) may provide a more tolerable and potentially more effective treatment option for managing iron overload. Improved tolerability can lead to better patient adherence and, consequently, improved outcomes. However, further research is essential to validate the long-term benefits and to identify the factors contributing to successful treatment. These findings represent a positive advancement in optimizing care and enhancing the quality of life for individuals managing iron overload. Future research should focus on personalized treatment approaches, identifying which patients benefit most from FCT versus DT, and understanding the genetic and lifestyle factors that influence treatment response.