Storage stable formulations of sulfated glycosaminoglycans and fragments derived therefrom for the treatment of pain and other medical conditions

A pharmaceutical composition comprising:

• a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan having an average molecular weight ranging from 3,000 to 15,000 Daltons, wherein said polysulfated glycosaminoglycan comprises less than 5 wt % of chondroitin sulfate;
• a skin penetrating agent, wherein said skin penetrating agent promotes transdermal penetration of said polysulfated glycosaminoglycan when applied to intact skin surfaces, and is selected from the group consisting of emulsions, primary or secondary alcohols, polyoxy ethers of fatty acids, fatty acid esters, surfactants, fatty acids, and combinations thereof;
• and
• a pharmaceutical carrier for topical application, said pharmaceutical carrier being mixed with said polysulfated glycosaminoglycan and said skin penetrating agent.