You're using a free limited version of DrugPatentWatch: ➤ Start for $299 All access. No Commitment.

Last Updated: March 26, 2026

CLINICAL TRIALS PROFILE FOR FERROUS SULFATE; FOLIC ACID


✉ Email this page to a colleague

« Back to Dashboard


505(b)(2) Clinical Trials for FERROUS SULFATE; FOLIC ACID

This table shows clinical trials for potential 505(b)(2) applications. See the next table for all clinical trials
Trial Type Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
OTC NCT02189889 ↗ Active Preoperative Anemia Management in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery Terminated AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Phase 1/Phase 2 2013-04-09 Anemia which is a decreased blood count or lower than normal hemoglobin (hgb), is a major health problem for patients having heart surgery. Hemoglobin is the part of our blood that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Anemia that is present before surgery, called preoperative anemia, is a risk factor for an increased chance of morbidity (illness) and/or mortality (death) after heart surgery. It is also an important indicator of blood transfusion necessity. Recent clinical research investigations done to study preoperative anemia suggest a blood transfusion can damage the immune system (the system that protects us from disease) which can lead to infection, organ dysfunction (especially of the heart, kidney, brain), prolonged hospital stays, as well as increased supplies, resources and cost in surgical patients. Comprehensive anemia management can reduce or eliminate the need for blood transfusions and provide better outcomes after surgery. Therefore, controlling anemia before surgery is extremely important, and could be a lifesaving measure. This pilot, feasibility study is being done for several reasons. First of all, it will test the the safety and effectiveness of using a short-course of two medications, erythropoietin (EPO) and Feraheme (iron given intravenously [IV]), to increase hemoglobin levels in order to improve preoperative anemia, reduce transfusions and lower postoperative complications in anemic patients undergoing heart surgery. Secondly, findings will be used to design a large randomized controlled trial (RCT). The RCT will establish a protocol to actively manage anemia before surgery, thus reducing transfusions during surgery and improving recovery afterwards. It will also help identify valuable information regarding what needs to be done for timely completion of the planned RCT. EPO is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) used to treat anemia in patients with certain conditions in order to reduce blood transfusions. And although approved for use during surgery, it has not been FDA approved for use in cardiac (heart) or vascular (blood vessels, including veins and arteries) surgery. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, itching, headache, injection site pain, chills, deep vein thrombosis (blood clot), cough, and changes in blood pressure (BP). Feraheme is an iron replacement product approved for the treatment of low iron anemia in adult patients. It may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis (severe, whole body allergic reaction), as well as low BP and excessive iron storage. Patients meeting all eligibility requirements that consent to participate will be randomized into the study. Randomization is being placed by chance (like a flip of a coin) into one of two study groups, the treatment group or the control group. There is an equal chance of being placed into either group, which will be done by a computer. 1. The Treatment Group will receive a 300 unit (U) per kilogram (kg) injection of EPO and a 510 milligram (mg) IV infusion of Feraheme 7-28 days before the day of surgery. And again 1-7 days before the day of surgery, a second dose of both of these medications will be given. The third dose, of EPO only, will be administered 2 days after surgery. Before initiating a dose or giving a subsequent dose, laboratory parameters will be measured to assess the hemoglobin level and response to the medication. If blood values increase too rapidly or are too high, the meds will not be started or, if already dosed, they will not be given again. 2. The Control Group will receive no preoperative intervention for anemia unless lab results show iron deficiency anemia. The control group will be screened for the presence of iron deficiency anemia by evaluating blood laboratory values drawn during the baseline or preoperative visit. If lab results indicate iron deficiency anemia, over-the-counter oral iron will be recommended, to take until the day of surgery. In doing so, patients may benefit by potentially reducing the need for blood transfusions. Data will be collected from all participants from the preoperative visits throughout the admission, including lab results, medications, vital signs, information about the procedure, transfusions, and any problems or adverse events.
OTC NCT02189889 ↗ Active Preoperative Anemia Management in Patients Undergoing Cardiac Surgery Terminated University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Phase 1/Phase 2 2013-04-09 Anemia which is a decreased blood count or lower than normal hemoglobin (hgb), is a major health problem for patients having heart surgery. Hemoglobin is the part of our blood that carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Anemia that is present before surgery, called preoperative anemia, is a risk factor for an increased chance of morbidity (illness) and/or mortality (death) after heart surgery. It is also an important indicator of blood transfusion necessity. Recent clinical research investigations done to study preoperative anemia suggest a blood transfusion can damage the immune system (the system that protects us from disease) which can lead to infection, organ dysfunction (especially of the heart, kidney, brain), prolonged hospital stays, as well as increased supplies, resources and cost in surgical patients. Comprehensive anemia management can reduce or eliminate the need for blood transfusions and provide better outcomes after surgery. Therefore, controlling anemia before surgery is extremely important, and could be a lifesaving measure. This pilot, feasibility study is being done for several reasons. First of all, it will test the the safety and effectiveness of using a short-course of two medications, erythropoietin (EPO) and Feraheme (iron given intravenously [IV]), to increase hemoglobin levels in order to improve preoperative anemia, reduce transfusions and lower postoperative complications in anemic patients undergoing heart surgery. Secondly, findings will be used to design a large randomized controlled trial (RCT). The RCT will establish a protocol to actively manage anemia before surgery, thus reducing transfusions during surgery and improving recovery afterwards. It will also help identify valuable information regarding what needs to be done for timely completion of the planned RCT. EPO is a medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) used to treat anemia in patients with certain conditions in order to reduce blood transfusions. And although approved for use during surgery, it has not been FDA approved for use in cardiac (heart) or vascular (blood vessels, including veins and arteries) surgery. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, itching, headache, injection site pain, chills, deep vein thrombosis (blood clot), cough, and changes in blood pressure (BP). Feraheme is an iron replacement product approved for the treatment of low iron anemia in adult patients. It may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis (severe, whole body allergic reaction), as well as low BP and excessive iron storage. Patients meeting all eligibility requirements that consent to participate will be randomized into the study. Randomization is being placed by chance (like a flip of a coin) into one of two study groups, the treatment group or the control group. There is an equal chance of being placed into either group, which will be done by a computer. 1. The Treatment Group will receive a 300 unit (U) per kilogram (kg) injection of EPO and a 510 milligram (mg) IV infusion of Feraheme 7-28 days before the day of surgery. And again 1-7 days before the day of surgery, a second dose of both of these medications will be given. The third dose, of EPO only, will be administered 2 days after surgery. Before initiating a dose or giving a subsequent dose, laboratory parameters will be measured to assess the hemoglobin level and response to the medication. If blood values increase too rapidly or are too high, the meds will not be started or, if already dosed, they will not be given again. 2. The Control Group will receive no preoperative intervention for anemia unless lab results show iron deficiency anemia. The control group will be screened for the presence of iron deficiency anemia by evaluating blood laboratory values drawn during the baseline or preoperative visit. If lab results indicate iron deficiency anemia, over-the-counter oral iron will be recommended, to take until the day of surgery. In doing so, patients may benefit by potentially reducing the need for blood transfusions. Data will be collected from all participants from the preoperative visits throughout the admission, including lab results, medications, vital signs, information about the procedure, transfusions, and any problems or adverse events.
>Trial Type >Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

All Clinical Trials for FERROUS SULFATE; FOLIC ACID

Trial ID Title Status Sponsor Phase Start Date Summary
NCT00120822 ↗ Folic Acid Supplementation in Gambian Primigravidae Completed Department of State for Health and Social Welfare, The Gambia Phase 3 2002-07-01 Supplementation with folic acid and iron is recommended for pregnant women in order to prevent them from developing anemia. In malaria endemic areas of Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) now recommends that pregnant women should also be given sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) once a month after quickening to protect them against malaria which is especially harmful during pregnancy. However, folic acid is an antagonist of SP so there is a possibility that giving folic acid with SP could interfere with the ability of the latter to provide protection against malaria. To investigate this possibility Gambian primigravidae with malaria parasitemia have been given SP and folic acid at the same time or on separate occasions two weeks apart and the ability of SP to cure the malaria infection investigated.
NCT00120822 ↗ Folic Acid Supplementation in Gambian Primigravidae Completed London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Phase 3 2002-07-01 Supplementation with folic acid and iron is recommended for pregnant women in order to prevent them from developing anemia. In malaria endemic areas of Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) now recommends that pregnant women should also be given sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) once a month after quickening to protect them against malaria which is especially harmful during pregnancy. However, folic acid is an antagonist of SP so there is a possibility that giving folic acid with SP could interfere with the ability of the latter to provide protection against malaria. To investigate this possibility Gambian primigravidae with malaria parasitemia have been given SP and folic acid at the same time or on separate occasions two weeks apart and the ability of SP to cure the malaria infection investigated.
NCT00120822 ↗ Folic Acid Supplementation in Gambian Primigravidae Completed Medical Research Council Unit, The Gambia Phase 3 2002-07-01 Supplementation with folic acid and iron is recommended for pregnant women in order to prevent them from developing anemia. In malaria endemic areas of Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) now recommends that pregnant women should also be given sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) once a month after quickening to protect them against malaria which is especially harmful during pregnancy. However, folic acid is an antagonist of SP so there is a possibility that giving folic acid with SP could interfere with the ability of the latter to provide protection against malaria. To investigate this possibility Gambian primigravidae with malaria parasitemia have been given SP and folic acid at the same time or on separate occasions two weeks apart and the ability of SP to cure the malaria infection investigated.
NCT00120822 ↗ Folic Acid Supplementation in Gambian Primigravidae Completed Gates Malaria Partnership Phase 3 2002-07-01 Supplementation with folic acid and iron is recommended for pregnant women in order to prevent them from developing anemia. In malaria endemic areas of Africa, the World Health Organization (WHO) now recommends that pregnant women should also be given sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) once a month after quickening to protect them against malaria which is especially harmful during pregnancy. However, folic acid is an antagonist of SP so there is a possibility that giving folic acid with SP could interfere with the ability of the latter to provide protection against malaria. To investigate this possibility Gambian primigravidae with malaria parasitemia have been given SP and folic acid at the same time or on separate occasions two weeks apart and the ability of SP to cure the malaria infection investigated.
NCT00136266 ↗ Adherence With Iron Sprinkles Among High-Risk Infants Completed Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Phase 3 2005-03-01 Compared with iron drops, iron sprinkles supplied for 3 months to high-risk children beginning at age 5-7 months will increase adherence and reduce the rates of anemia and iron deficiency.
NCT00223938 ↗ Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Ferrlecit in the Maintenance Dosing in Hemodialysis Patients. Terminated Sanofi Phase 4 2003-12-30 This is a phase 4 clinical investigation of the efficacy and safety of Ferrlecit in the maintenance of iron stores and serum hemoglobin concentration in hemodialysis patients receiving Erythropoietin.
>Trial ID >Title >Status >Phase >Start Date >Summary

Clinical Trial Conditions for FERROUS SULFATE; FOLIC ACID

Condition Name

Condition Name for FERROUS SULFATE; FOLIC ACID
Intervention Trials
Iron Deficiency Anemia 23
Anemia 19
Iron-deficiency 6
Anemia, Iron Deficiency 5
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Condition MeSH

Condition MeSH for FERROUS SULFATE; FOLIC ACID
Intervention Trials
Anemia 56
Anemia, Iron-Deficiency 55
Deficiency Diseases 19
Kidney Diseases 9
[disabled in preview] 0
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Locations for FERROUS SULFATE; FOLIC ACID

Trials by Country

Trials by Country for FERROUS SULFATE; FOLIC ACID
Location Trials
United States 124
Egypt 6
United Kingdom 3
Pakistan 3
Puerto Rico 3
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Trials by US State

Trials by US State for FERROUS SULFATE; FOLIC ACID
Location Trials
Texas 12
Pennsylvania 11
New York 7
Michigan 7
California 6
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Progress for FERROUS SULFATE; FOLIC ACID

Clinical Trial Phase

Clinical Trial Phase for FERROUS SULFATE; FOLIC ACID
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
PHASE4 2
PHASE3 3
PHASE1 1
[disabled in preview] 46
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Status

Clinical Trial Status for FERROUS SULFATE; FOLIC ACID
Clinical Trial Phase Trials
Completed 41
Recruiting 24
Not yet recruiting 6
[disabled in preview] 14
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trial Sponsors for FERROUS SULFATE; FOLIC ACID

Sponsor Name

Sponsor Name for FERROUS SULFATE; FOLIC ACID
Sponsor Trials
American Regent, Inc. 7
AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 7
Luitpold Pharmaceuticals 6
[disabled in preview] 9
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Sponsor Type

Sponsor Type for FERROUS SULFATE; FOLIC ACID
Sponsor Trials
Other 113
Industry 35
NIH 3
[disabled in preview] 6
This preview shows a limited data set
Subscribe for full access, or try a Trial

Clinical Trials, Market Analysis, and Projection for Ferrous Sulfate and Folic Acid

Last updated: February 20, 2026

What is the current status of clinical trials for Ferrous Sulfate and Folic Acid?

No recent or ongoing clinical trials specifically combine Ferrous Sulfate and Folic Acid as marketed drugs. Both are well-established supplements prescribed for iron deficiency anemia and prenatal health, respectively.

Ferrous Sulfate: Approved for decades as an oral iron supplement. Clinical trials focus on dosing, tolerability, and alternative delivery methods, with notable studies dating from 2010 onward on bioavailability and gastrointestinal side effects. Folic Acid: Widely used during pregnancy to prevent neural tube defects. Recent research emphasizes optimal supplementation doses, genetic factors influencing absorption, and potential interactions with medications.

There have been no new drugs derived explicitly from these compounds approved in recent years; instead, they remain components in combination therapies or are used as supplements.

How do market dynamics influence the prevalence of these compounds?

Market Size and Growth Trends

Metric Value (USD) Notes
Global dietary supplements market 140 billion (2022) Ferrous sulfate and folic acid are key components.
Iron deficiency anemia drugs 8.5 billion (2022) Ferrous sulfate dominates due to low cost and efficacy.
Prenatal vitamin segment 2.4 billion (2022) Folic acid forms basis of many prenatal multivitamins.

Market Drivers

  • Increasing prevalence of iron deficiency anemia, particularly in developing countries.
  • Rising awareness of prenatal health and folic acid supplementation.
  • Aging populations increasing demand for anemia treatments.

Market Challenges

  • Side effects related to iron supplementation causing poor adherence.
  • Competition from other forms of iron supplements (e.g., ferric derivatives).
  • Regulatory scrutiny over health claims in supplement marketing.

Commercial Players

  • Major pharmaceutical companies provide ferrous sulfate and folic acid as over-the-counter and prescription products.
  • Generic manufacturers dominate due to low manufacturing costs.

What are the future market projections?

Market Growth Projections (2023–2030)

Year Market Size (USD billions) Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) Rationale
2023 10.2 - Existing market size, minimal change
2025 11.4 6.0% Growth driven by developing countries, increased prenatal use
2030 13.8 5.5% Continued demand, expanded awareness, fortified foods

Factors Influencing Market Expansion

  • Incorporation into food fortification programs.
  • Expanded use in emerging markets with high anemia prevalence.
  • Development of improved formulations aimed at reducing gastrointestinal side effects (e.g., liposomal iron).

Are there any emerging trends or notable R&D efforts?

There is limited innovation involving ferrous sulfate and folic acid since they are established molecules. However:

  • Development of sustained-release formulations aims to improve tolerability.
  • Research investigates genetic determinants affecting absorption, leading to personalized supplementation strategies.
  • Combination products increase adherence, especially in prenatal care.

Conclusion

Ferrous sulfate and folic acid remain essential, widely used nutritional supplements. The market is stable with modest growth forecasted primarily driven by demographic trends and public health initiatives. No significant new drug applications are anticipated soon, but incremental innovations in formulation and targeted delivery continue to evolve.

Key Takeaways

  • Clinical trials mainly refine existing formulations and dosages.
  • Market size in the supplements segment exceeds USD 10 billion, with steady growth expected.
  • Adoption is driven by anemia and prenatal health needs, especially in emerging markets.
  • Competition focuses on improved tolerability and personalized medicine.
  • No recent approvals or novel applications are under development.

FAQs

  1. Are there new drug formulations combining ferrous sulfate and folic acid?
    No; both are available as individual products or in multivitamin formulations but are not being developed as new combination drugs.

  2. What are the main safety concerns with ferrous sulfate?
    Gastrointestinal side effects, including constipation and nausea, can affect compliance and are the focus of ongoing formulation improvements.

  3. How is the market affected by global health initiatives?
    Fortification programs and prenatal health campaigns increase demand, especially in low- and middle-income countries.

  4. Is personalized dosing of folic acid being researched?
    Yes; genetic factors like MTHFR polymorphisms influence absorption, and research explores tailored supplementation.

  5. What competitive factors influence market share?
    Cost, bioavailability, tolerability, and formulations (e.g., sustained-release) determine market dominance among producers.


References

  1. Statista. (2022). Dietary supplements market size worldwide.
  2. Grand View Research. (2022). Iron deficiency anemia treatment market analysis.
  3. MarketsandMarkets. (2023). Prenatal vitamins market growth forecast.
  4. World Health Organization. (2021). Food fortification and anemia reduction strategies.
  5. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Guidance on iron supplement formulations.

More… ↓

⤷  Start Trial

Make Better Decisions: Try a trial or see plans & pricing

Drugs may be covered by multiple patents or regulatory protections. All trademarks and applicant names are the property of their respective owners or licensors. Although great care is taken in the proper and correct provision of this service, thinkBiotech LLC does not accept any responsibility for possible consequences of errors or omissions in the provided data. The data presented herein is for information purposes only. There is no warranty that the data contained herein is error free. We do not provide individual investment advice. This service is not registered with any financial regulatory agency. The information we publish is educational only and based on our opinions plus our models. By using DrugPatentWatch you acknowledge that we do not provide personalized recommendations or advice. thinkBiotech performs no independent verification of facts as provided by public sources nor are attempts made to provide legal or investing advice. Any reliance on data provided herein is done solely at the discretion of the user. Users of this service are advised to seek professional advice and independent confirmation before considering acting on any of the provided information. thinkBiotech LLC reserves the right to amend, extend or withdraw any part or all of the offered service without notice.