sucrose octasulfate

Sucrose octasulfate is a highly sulfated polyanionic derivative of sucrose. It is most recognized as the active therapeutic component of sucralfate, an anti-ulcer medication where it is complexed with aluminum hydroxide. As a standalone molecule, sucrose octasulfate exhibits potent mucosal protective properties by binding to and stabilizing various growth factors, such as fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), which facilitates tissue repair and angiogenesis. It also stimulates the release of somatostatin from gastric D cells, contributing to its gastroprotective profile. Beyond its direct therapeutic applications, sucrose octasulfate (often as a potassium or sodium salt) is utilized as a novel pharmaceutical excipient in liposomal formulations. In this role, it acts as a trapping agent to enable the efficient loading and stabilization of weakly basic drugs through the formation of intra-liposomal precipitates.

Other names

sucrose octasulphateSOSsucrose octakis(sulfate)