The ultimate insult may be a secondary effect. He's encouraged by old research that shows there are iron deposits in the hearts of FA patients. The ultimate goal is development of clinical trials to test treatments for this disorder. There is an iron-binding drug already on the market, Pandolfo said, but it has to be injected. He said newer drugs, which bind iron but can be taken orally, are in development.
Patents are pending.
University testing is available at some centers, including Pandolfo's in Montreal.