Chondroitin sulfate for interstitial cystitis.

(1) Chondroitin sulfate solution 2.0% is a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) replenishment therapy instilled into the bladder of GAG-deficient patients with interstitial cystitis (IC). (2) Two non-randomized, uncontrolled pilot studies report improvements in patient-reported symptoms after the use of chondroitin sulfate for one year. Prospective, randomized, head-to-head trials are needed to assess the effectiveness of this technology compared with other IC therapies. (3) The cost and demand for this technology are low, but there could be a significant impact on clinics that administer treatment, if uptake increases.