A mixed metal compound for pharmaceutical use is free from aluminum and has a phosphate binding capacity of at least 30%, by weight of the total weight of phosphate present, over a pH range of from 2-8. The compound is especially useful for treatment of hyperphosphataemia. The metals are preferably iron (III) and at least one of calcium, magnesium, lanthanum and cerium. A metal sulphate for pharmaceutical use is selected from at least one of calcium, lanthanum and cerium sulphate compounds and has a phosphate binding capacity of at least 30% by weight of the total phosphate present, over a pH range from 2-8.