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Pentosan Polysulfate

PPS · PPS sodium · Elmiron

Last reviewed:

CAS
37319-17-8
MW
4000–6000 Da (polymer)
Research focus
jointanti inflammatory

A semi-synthetic sulfated polysaccharide investigated in osteoarthritis, interstitial cystitis, and connective-tissue research for its chondroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects.

Mechanism of action

PPS is a heparin-like polyanion that binds and modulates growth factors (FGF-2, HB-EGF), inhibits cartilage-degrading enzymes (MMP-3, MMP-13, aggrecanases), suppresses inflammatory cytokine release, and reduces leucocyte chemotaxis. In bladder research it is thought to restore the glycosaminoglycan layer of the urothelium.

Research history

Developed in the 1950s as an oral anticoagulant analogue of heparin, PPS gained clinical traction in veterinary and human rheumatology for osteoarthritis. The brand Elmiron is approved in the United States for interstitial cystitis; veterinary injectable PPS preparations have been widely used in equine joint disease.

Summarised studies

PPS in knee osteoarthritis (PROMOTION trial)

Ghosh P. et al., Rheumatology · 2021

Subcutaneous PPS produced statistically significant reductions in WOMAC pain and function scores versus placebo in moderate knee osteoarthritis.

PPS modulates MMP-13 in articular chondrocytes

Smith M.M. et al., Osteoarthritis Cartilage · 2014

PPS exposure reduced IL-1β-induced MMP-13 expression and increased aggrecan synthesis in cultured human articular chondrocytes.

Safety profile

Long-term human use has been associated with rare pigmentary maculopathy. Anticoagulant activity is mild but can be clinically relevant at higher doses. As a research compound, sterility, batch consistency, and exact polymer length distribution influence reproducibility.

UK regulatory status

PPS is not licensed for osteoarthritis in the UK and has limited human availability. Veterinary preparations exist for equine and canine joint disease. Research-laboratory possession is unrestricted.

Frequently asked questions

Is PPS available in the UK?
There is no MHRA-approved oral PPS product for human osteoarthritis in the UK. Veterinary injectable preparations exist for equine joint disease.
What is PPS's primary research interest?
Chondroprotection in osteoarthritis and restoration of the glycosaminoglycan layer in interstitial cystitis are the two main research areas.
Does PPS have anticoagulant effects?
Yes, mild anticoagulant activity is reported, attributable to its structural similarity to heparin, though clinically significant bleeding is uncommon at typical research doses.

Where to source Pentosan Polysulfate for laboratory research

The following UK-based suppliers stock research-grade, lyophilised peptides for in-vitro and pre-clinical work. Purity and provenance vary; always request a Certificate of Analysis (CoA) and confirm cold-chain storage on arrival. None of the products linked below are approved for human use.

  • PeptideAuthority.co.uk

    UK-based research peptide supplier with batch certificates of analysis and >99% purity testing.

  • PeptideBarn.co.uk

    Wide catalogue of research-grade lyophilised peptides shipped from the UK, including bulk vials.

Cited in research summaries

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