Transferrin, not transfusions

A multinational team of researchers has shown that the iron transporter transferrin can increase the production of red blood cells and alleviate other symptoms of b-thalassemia in mice.¹ The findings could lead to the first new therapy for a moderate form of the disease in more than 50 years.

b-Thalassemia is caused by mutations in the gene coding for β-globin (HBB). The result is insufficient production of normal red blood cells (RBCs) and consequent anemia and low oxygen delivery that damages organs. Patients able to produce some amount of normal HBB have a moderate form of the disease known as b-thalassemia intermedia...