Background:

Pentosan Polysulfate is a semi-synthetic drug used to treat various medical conditions including thrombi and interstitial cystitis.

Pentosan polysulfate has been shown to inhibit HIV-1 activity with an ED50 of 0.19 μg/mL in MT-4 cells. It inhibits HIV-1 antigen expression in HUT-78 cells at an ED50 of 0.02 μg/mL, and complete inhibition of HIV-1 antigen expression is obtained at a concentration of 4.0 μg/mL[1].

Pentosan polysulfate has been shown to decreases interstitial inflammation and glomerulosclerosis in 5/6 nephrectomized rats. Pentosan polysulfate treatment preserves renal function, significantly reduces albuminuria, and markedly decreases the severity of renal lesions, including tubulointerstitial inflammation. Pentosan polysulfate also reduces upregulation of TNFα and proinflammatory genes in aging diabetic kidneys[2]. Once weekly sc administration of Pentosan Polysulfate in MPS VI rats leads to equal or better therapeutic effects than daily oral administration, including a surprising reduction in urine and tissue GAGs. No adverse effects from sc Pentosan Polysulfate administration are observed over the 6-month study period[3].

[1]. Baba M, et al. Pentosan polysulfate, a sulfated oligosaccharide, is a potent and selective anti-HIV agent in vitro. Antiviral Res. 1988 Sep;9(6):335-43. [2]. Wu J, et al. Inhibition of inflammation by pentosan polysulfate impedes the development and progression of severe diabetic nephropathy in aging C57B6 mice. Lab Invest. 2011 Oct;91(10):1459-71. [3]. Frohbergh M, et al. Dose responsive effects of subcutaneous pentosan polysulfate injection in mucopolysaccharidosis type VI rats and comparison to oral treatment.