Deferoxamine (Deferoxamine B, Deferrioxamine) is an iron chelator and a reversible inhibitor of S-phase in DNA synthesis. It enhnaces HIF-1α activation by inhibiting prolyl hydroxylase activity, activating insulin receptor (InsR) and Glut1. It also increases phosphorylation of Akt/PKB, FoxO1, GSK3β, influencing gluconeogenesis and glycogen synthesis, while reducing oxidative stress in diabetic hyperglycemia. It can be used to reduce iron accumulation and deposition in tissues and in studies of neurodegenerative diseases, anti-cancer and anti-COVID-19.