Pentosan polysulphate

Pentosan polysulphate is a sulphated chain of linked xylose sugars.

It has been used since the 1960s as an anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory. It is cheap, being made by the action of sulphuric acid on wood chippings.

Recently it has gained attention as possibly being effective in the treatment of vCJD, although there is as yet no reliable evidence for this other than results of the treatment of one patient in Ireland and six others in Britain [1].

External links

• Use of Pentosan Polysulphate in the treatment of, or prevention of, vCJD