An iron chelator used for the treatment of acute iron intoxication and of chronic iron overload due to transfusion-dependent anemias. Has been shown to have anti-proliferative effects on vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro and in vivo and to arrest cells in the G1 phase. Induces apoptosis in HL-60 cells by chelating iron. In addition, it has been shown to have antioxidant properties and to protect cells against H₂O₂-induced damage.