What is "deferoxamine"

n. (context medicine English) A siderophore, produced by the actinobacterium ''Streptomyces pilosus'', that is used as a chelating agent used to remove excess iron from the body

Deferoxamine (also known as desferrioxamine B, desferoxamine B, DFO-B, DFOA, DFB or desferal) is a bacterial siderophore produced by the Actinobacteria Streptomyces pilosus. It has medical applications as a chelating agent used to remove excess iron from the body. The mesylate salt of DFO-B is commercially available.

It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines, the most important medications needed in a basic health system.