Healing / repair

Pentosan Polysulfate

FDA-approved

Elmiron (PPS) · Semi-synthetic glycosaminoglycan

Approved bladder-pain drug also used off-label for joints.

Half-life

~4-5 hours (oral, low bioavailability)

Route

Oral / subcutaneous (off-label)

Evidence

FDA-approved — interstitial cystitis; joint use off-label.

What it is

A semi-synthetic sulfated polysaccharide (not a true peptide), FDA-approved as Elmiron for interstitial cystitis and used off-label for osteoarthritis.

How it works

Restores the protective glycosaminoglycan lining (bladder/cartilage), with mild anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Studied for

Interstitial cystitis/bladder-pain (approved); osteoarthritis (off-label).

Regulatory status

FDA-approved for bladder pain; joint/injectable use off-label.

Safety

Associated with a specific pigmentary maculopathy (retinal) with long-term use; bleeding risk; GI upset.

Reconstitution calculator →

Educational information only — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to use any compound. Many peptides here are not approved for human use; legal status and evidence quality vary and are noted above. This page contains no dosing information. Consult a qualified clinician before making any health decision.