What is "pentosan polysulfate"

n. An oral medication for the treatment of interstitial cystitis.

Pentosan polysulfate (PPS, (1->4)-β-Xylan 2,3-bis(hydrogen sulfate) with a 4 O-methyl-α-D-glucuronate) is a semi-synthetic polysulfated xylan sold for the relief of various medical conditions including thrombi and interstitial cystitis in humans and osteoarthritis in dogs and horses. Various brand names for the human drug include Elmiron (as sodium salt), Hemoclar, Anarthron, Fibrase, Thrombocid and SP54. PPS Capsule is sold as Pentossan-100 by Molclone Labs India. PPS is also sold under the brand name Comfora in India. In the veterinary field, pentosan polysulfate is sold as Cartrophen Vet and Sylvet by Biopharm Australia, and Pentosan by Naturevet Australia.

The calcium salt of PPS was one of the first reported disease-modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOAD).