Superparamagnetic iron oxide: pharmacokinetics and toxicity

The pharmacokinetics (distribution, metabolism, bioavailability, excretion) and toxicity (acute and subacute toxicity, mutagenicity) of a superparamagnetic iron oxide preparation (AMI-25), currently used in clinical trials, were evaluated by 59Fe radiotracer studies, measurements of relaxation times, the ability to reverse iron deficiency anemia, histologic examination, and laboratory parameters. One hour after administration of AMI-25 to rats (18 mumol Fe/kg; 1 mg Fe/kg), 82.6 +/- 0.3% of the administered dose was sequestered in the liver and 6.2 +/- 7.6% in the spleen. Peak concentrations of 59Fe were found in liver after 2 hr and in the spleen after 4 hr. 59Fe slowly cleared from liver (half-life, 3 days) and spleen (half-life, 4 days) and was incorporated into hemoglobin of erythrocytes in a time-dependent fashion. The half-time of the T2 effect on liver and spleen (24-48 hr) was shorter than the 59Fe clearance, indicating metabolism of AMI-25 into other forms of iron. IV administration of AMI-25 (30 ...