Nanoparticulate megestrol formulations

Abstract

The present invention is directed to nanoparticulate compositions comprising megestrol. The megestrol particles of the composition have an effective average particle size of less than about 2000 nm.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A megestrol nanoparticulate composition comprising:
 (a) particles of megestrol, megestrol acetate, or a salt thereof; and   (b) associated with the surface thereof at least one surface stabilizer, wherein the megestrol particles have an effective average particle size of less than about 2000 nm.   
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the megestrol is selected from the group consisting of a crystalline phase, an amorphous phase, a semi-crystalline phase, a semi-amorphous phase, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the effective average particle size of the nanoparticulate megestrol particles is selected from the group consisting of less than about 1900 nm, less than about 1800 nm, less than about 1700 nm, less than about 1600 nm, less than about 1500 nm, less than about 1400 nm, less than about 1300 nm, less than about 1200 nm, less than about 1100 nm, less than about 1000 nm, less than about 900 nm, less than about 800 nm, less than about 700 nm, less than about 600 nm, less than about 500 nm, less than about 400 nm, less than about 300 nm, less than about 250 nm, less than about 200 nm, less than about 100 nm, less than about 75 nm, and less than about 50 nm. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is formulated for administration selected from the group consisting of oral, pulmonary, rectal, opthalmic, colonic, parenteral, intracisternal, intravaginal, intraperitoneal, local, buccal, nasal, and topical administration. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is formulated into a dosage form selected from the group consisting of liquid dispersions, gels, aerosols, ointments, creams, controlled release formulations, fast melt formulations, lyophilized formulations, tablets, capsules, delayed release formulations, extended release formulations, pulsatile release formulations, and mixed immediate release and controlled release formulations. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition further comprises one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, carriers, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the megestrol is present in an amount selected from the group consisting of from about 99.5% to about 0.001%, from about 95% to about 0.1%, and from about 90% to about 0.5%, by weight, based on the total combined weight of the megestrol and at least one surface stabilizer, not including other excipients. 
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one surface stabilizer is present in an amount selected from the group consisting of from about 0.5% to about 99.999%, from about 5.0% to about 95%, and from about 10% to about 99.5%, by weight, based on the total combined dry weight of the megestrol and at least one surface stabilizer, not including other excipients. 
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 1 , comprising at least two surface stabilizers, including a primary and a secondary surface stabilizer. 
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 9 , wherein at least one surface stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and random copolymers of vinyl acetate and vinyl pyrrolidone. 
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 9 , wherein at least one surface stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of sodium lauryl sulfate and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate. 
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 9 , wherein at least one secondary surface stabilizer is present in an amount selected from the group consisting of from about 0.01% to about 99%, from about 0.1% to about 95%, and from about 1% to about 90%, by weight, based on the total combined dry weight of the megestrol, at least one primary surface stabilizer, and at least one secondary surface stabilizer, not including other excipients. 
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the surface stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of an anionic surface stabilizer, a cationic surface stabilizer, an ionic surface stabilizer, and a zwitterionic surface stabilizer. 
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one surface stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of cetyl pyridinium chloride, gelatin, casein, phosphatides, dextran, glycerol, gum acacia, cholesterol, tragacanth, stearic acid, benzalkonium chloride, calcium stearate, glycerol monostearate, cetostearyl alcohol, cetomacrogol emulsifying wax, sorbitan esters, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyethylene glycols, dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, polyoxyethylene stearates, colloidal silicon dioxide, phosphates, sodium dodecylsulfate, carboxymethylcellulose calcium, hydroxypropyl celluloses, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose phthalate, noncrystalline cellulose, magnesium aluminum silicate, triethanolamine, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, 4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-phenol polymer with ethylene oxide and formaldehyde, poloxamers;
 poloxamines, a charged phospholipid, dioctylsulfosuccinate, dialkylesters of sodium sulfosuccinic acid, sodium lauryl sulfate, alkyl aryl polyether sulfonates, mixtures of sucrose stearate and sucrose distearate, p-isononylphenoxypoly-(glycidol), decanoyl-N-methylglucamide; n-decyl f3-D-glucopyranoside; n-decyl β-D-maltopyranoside; n-dodecyl β-D-glucopyranoside; n-dodecyl β-D-maltoside; heptanoyl-N-methylglucamide;   n-heptyl-β-D-glucopyranoside; n-heptyl β-D-thioglucoside; n-hexyl β-D-glucopyranoside; nonanoyl-N-methylglucamide; n-heptyl-β-D-glucopyranoside; octanoyl-N-methylglucamide; n-octyl-β-D-glucopyranoside; octyl-β-D-thioglucopyranoside; lysozyme, PEG-phospholipid, PEG-cholesterol. PEG-cholesterol derivative, PEG-vitamin A, PEG-vitamin E, and random copolymers of vinyl acetate and vinyl pyrrolidone.   
     
     
         15 . The composition of  claim 13 , wherein the at least one cationic surface stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of a polymer, a biopolymer, a polysaccharide, a cellulosic, an alginate, a nonpolymeric compound, and a phospholipid. 
     
     
         16 . The composition of  claim 13 , wherein the surface stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of polymethylmethacrylate trimethylammonium bromide, polyvinylpyrrolidone-2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate dimethyl sulfate, hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, cationic lipids, sulfonium compounds, phosphonium compounds, quarternary ammonium compounds, benzyl-di(2-chloroethylethylammonium bromide, coconut trimethyl ammonium chloride, coconut trimethyl ammonium bromide, coconut methyl dihydroxyethyl ammonium chloride, coconut methyl dihydroxyethyl ammonium bromide, decyl triethyl ammonium chloride, decyl dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium chloride, decyl dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium chloride bromide, C 12-15 dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium chloride,  15 dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium chloride bromide, coconut dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium chloride, coconut dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium bromide, myristyl trimethyl ammonium methyl sulphate, lauryl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, lauryl dimethyl benzyl ammonium bromide, lauryl dimethyl (ethenoxy) 4  ammonium chloride, lauryl dimethyl (ethenoxy) 4  ammonium bromide, N-alkyl (C 12-18 )dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, N-alkyl (C 14-18 )dimethyl-benzyl ammonium chloride, N-tetradecylidmethylbenzyl ammonium chloride monohydrate, dimethyl didecyl ammonium chloride, N-alkyl and (C 12-14 ) dimethyl 1-napthylmethyl ammonium chloride, trimethylammonium halide, alkyl-trimethylammonium salts, dialkyl-dimethylammonium salts, lauryl trimethyl ammonium chloride, ethoxylated alkyamidoalkyldialkylammonium salt, an ethoxylated trialkyl ammonium salt, dialkylbenzene dialkylammonium chloride, N-didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride, N-tetradecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium, chloride monohydrate, N-alkyl(C 12-14 ) dimethyl 1-naphthylmethyl ammonium chloride, dodecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, dialkyl benzenealkyl ammonium chloride, lauryl trimethyl ammonium chloride, alkylbenzyl methyl ammonium chloride, alkyl benzyl dimethyl ammonium bromide, C 12 trimethyl ammonium bromides, C 15  trimethyl ammonium bromides, C 17  trimethyl ammonium bromides, dodecylbenzyl triethyl ammonium chloride, poly-diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC), dimethyl ammonium chlorides, alkyldimethylammonium halogenides, tricetyl methyl ammonium chloride, decyltrimethylammonium bromide, dodecyltriethylammonium bromide, tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide, methyl trioctylammonium chloride, POLYQUAT 10™, tetrabutylammonium bromide, benzyl trimethylammonium bromide, choline esters, benzalkonium chloride, stearalkonium chloride compounds, cetyl pyridinium bromide, cetyl pyridinium chloride, halide salts of quaternized polyoxyethylalkylamines, MIRAPOL™, ALKAQUAT™, alkyl pyridinium salts; amines, amine salts, amine oxides, imide azolinium salts, protonated quaternary acrylamides, methylated quaternary polymers, lysozyme, and cationic guar. 
     
     
         17 . The composition of  claim 15  or  16 , wherein the composition is bioadhesive. 
     
     
         18 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the amount of megestrol is selected from the group consisting of 3 percent by weight, 5 percent by weight, and 9 percent by weight. 
     
     
         19 . The composition of  claim 18 , additionally comprising hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate as surface stabilizers. 
     
     
         20 . The composition of  claim 1 , further comprising a megestrol composition having an effective average particle size of greater than about 2 microns. 
     
     
         21 . The composition of  claim 1 , additionally comprising at least one additional nanoparticulate megestrol composition having an effective average particle size of less than about 2 microns, wherein said additional nanoparticulate megestrol composition has an effective average particle size which is different than the effective average particle size of the nanoparticulate megestrol composition of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         22 . The composition of  claim 1 , additionally comprising at least one non-megestrol active agent. 
     
     
         23 . The composition of  claim 22 , wherein said active agent is selected from the group consisting of amino acids, proteins, peptides, nucleotides, anti-obesity drugs, nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, central nervous symptom stimulants, carotenoids, corticosteroids, elastase inhibitors, anti-fungals, alkylxanthine, oncology therapies, antiemetics, analgesics, opioids, antipyretics, cardiovascular agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anthelmintics, anti-arrhythmic agents, antibiotics, anticoagulants, antidepressants, antidiabetic agents, antiepileptics, antihistamines, antihypertensive agents, antimuscarinic agents, antimycobacterial agents, antineoplastic agents, immunosuppressants, antithyroid agents, antiviral agents, anxiolytics, sedatives, astringents, alpha-adrenergic receptor blocking agents, beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents, blood products, blood substitutes, cardiac inotropic agents, contrast media, corticosteroids, cough suppressants, diagnostic agents, diagnostic imaging agents, diuretics, dopaminergics, haemostatics, immunological agents, lipid regulating agents, muscle relaxants, parasympathomimetics, parathyroid calcitonin and biphosphonates, prostaglandins, radio- pharmaceuticals, sex hormones, anti-allergic agents, stimulants, anoretics, sympathomimetics, thyroid agents, vasodilators, vasomodulator, xanthines, Mu receptor antagonists, Kappa receptor antagonists, non-narcotic analgesics, monoamine uptake inhibitors, adenosine regulating agents, cannabinoid derivatives, Substance P antagonists, neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists, and sodium channel blockers. 
     
     
         24 . The composition of  claim 23 , wherein said nutraceutical is selected from the group consisting of lutein, folic acid, fatty acids, fruit extracts, vegetable extracts, vitamin supplements, mineral supplements, phosphatidylserine, lipoic acid, melatonin, glucosamine/chondroitin, Aloe Vera, Guggul, glutamine, amino acids, green tea, lycopene, whole foods, food additives, herbs, phytonutrients, antioxidants, flavonoid constituents of fruits, evening primrose oil, flax seeds, fish oils, marine animal oils, and probiotics. 
     
     
         25 . The composition of any of  claim 22 ,  23 , or  24 , wherein at least one non-megestrol active agent has an effective average particle size of less than about 2 microns. 
     
     
         26 . The composition of any of any of  claim 22 ,  23 , or  24 , wherein at least one non-megestrol active agent has an effective average particle size of greater than about 2 microns. 
     
     
         27 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein upon administration the composition redisperses such that the megestrol particles have a particle size selected from the group consisting of less than about 2 microns, less than about 1900 nm, less than about 1800 nm, less than about 1700 nm, less than about 1600 nm, less than about 1500 nm, less than about 1400 nm, less than about 1300 nm, less than about 1200 nm, less than about 1100 nm, less than about 1000 nm, less than about 900 nm, less than about 800 nm, less than about 700 nm, less than about 600 nm, less than about 500 nm, less than about 400 nm, less than about 300 nm, less than about 250 nm, less than about 200 nm, less than about 150 nm, less than about 100 nm, less than about 75 nm, and less than about 50 nm. 
     
     
         28 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition redisperses in a biorelevant media such that the megestrol particles have a particle size selected from the group consisting of less than about 2 microns, less than about 1900 nm, less than about 1800 nm, less than about 1700 nm, less than about 1600 nm, less than about 1500 nm, less than about 1400 nm, less than about 1300 nm, less than about 1200 nm, less than about 1100 nm, less than about 1000 nm, less than about 900 nm, less than about 800 nm, less than about 700 nm, less than about 600 nm, less than about 500 nm, less than about 400 nm, less than about 300 nm, less than about 250 nm, less than about 200 nm, less than about 150 nm, less than about 100 nm, less than about 75 nm, and less than about 50 nm. 
     
     
         29 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition does not produce significantly different absorption levels when administered under fed as compared to fasting conditions. 
     
     
         30 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the difference in absorption of the nanoparticulate megestrol composition, when administered in the fed versus the fasted state, is selected from the group consisting of less than about 100%, less than about 90%, less than about 80%, less than about 70%, less than about 60%, less than about 50%, less than about 40%, less than about 35%, less than about 30%, less than about 25%, less than about 20%, less than about 15%, less than about 10%, less than about 5%, and less than about 3%. 
     
     
         31 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition does not produce significantly different rates of absorption (T max ) when administered under fed as compared to fasting conditions. 
     
     
         32 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the difference in the T max  for the nanoparticulate megestrol composition, when administered in the fed versus the fasted state, is less than about 100%, less than about 90%, less than about 80%, less than about 70%, less than about 60%, less than about 50%, less than about 40%, less than about 30%, less than about 20%, less than about 1 5%, less than about 10%, less than about 5%, and less than about 3%. 
     
     
         33 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein upon administration the T max  is less than that of a standard commercial non-nanoparticulate composition of megestrol, administered at the same dosage. 
     
     
         34 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein following administration the composition has a T max  selected from the group consisting of less than about 5 hours, less than about 4.5 hours, less than about 4 hours, less than about 3.5 hours, less than about 3 hours, less than about 2.75 hours, less than about 2.5 hours, less than about 2.25 hours, less than about 2 hours, less than about 1.75 hours, less than about 1.5 hours, less than about 1.25 hours, less than about 1.0 hours, less than about 50 minutes, less than about 40 minutes, less than about 30 minutes, less than about 25 minutes, less than about 20 minutes, less than about 15 minutes, and less than about 10 minutes. 
     
     
         35 . The composition of  claim 34 , wherein the composition exhibits a T max  of less than 5 hours after administration. 
     
     
         36 . The composition of  claim 34 , wherein the composition exhibits a T max  not greater than about 3 hours after administration. 
     
     
         37 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein in comparative pharmacokinetic testing with a standard commercial non-nanoparticulate composition of megestrol, administered at the same dosage, the nanoparticulate composition exhibits a T max  selected from the group consisting of less than about 100%, less than about 90%, less than about 80%, less than about 70%, less than about 60%, less than about 50%, less than about 40%, less than about 30%, less than about 25%, less than about 20%, less than about 15%, and less than about 10% of the T max  exhibited by the non-nanoparticulate composition of megestrol. 
     
     
         38 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein in comparative pharmacokinetic testing with a standard commercial formulation of megestrol, the composition exhibits a T max  not greater than about 50% of the T max  exhibited by the standard commercial megestrol formulation. 
     
     
         39 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein in comparative pharmacokinetic testing with a standard commercial formulation of megestrol, the composition exhibits a T max  not greater than about 33% of the T max  exhibited by the standard commercial megestrol formulation. 
     
     
         40 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein in comparative pharmacokinetic testing with a standard commercial formulation of megestrol, the composition exhibits a T max  not greater than about 25% of the T max  exhibited by the standard commercial megestrol formulation. 
     
     
         41 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein upon administration the C max  of the composition is greater than the C max  of a standard commercial non-nanoparticulate composition of megestrol, administered at the same dosage. 
     
     
         42 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein in comparative pharmacokinetic testing with a standard commercial non-nanoparticulate composition of megestrol, administered at the same dosage, the nanoparticulate composition exhibits a C max  selected from the group consisting of greater than about 5%, greater than about 10%, greater than about 15%, greater than about 20%, greater than about 30%, greater than about 40%, greater than about 50%, greater than about 60%, greater than about 70%, greater than about 80%, greater than about 90%, greater than about 100%, greater than about 110%, greater than about 120%, greater than about 130%, greater than about 140%, greater than about 150%, greater than about 200%, greater than about 500% and greater than about 800% than the C max  exhibited by the non-nanoparticulate composition of megestrol. 
     
     
         43 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the therapeutically effective amount of the megestrol is selected from the group consisting of ⅙, ⅕, ¼, ⅓ rd , or ½ of the therapeutically effective amount of a standard commercial megestrol formulation. 
     
     
         44 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the difference in absorption when the composition is administered in the fed versus the fasted state is selected from the group consisting of less than about 35%, less than about 30%, less than about 25%, less than about 20%, less than about 15%, less than about 10%, less than about 5%, and less than about 3%. 
     
     
         45 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the composition is in a liquid oral dosage form, and the viscosity of the composition is selected from the group consisting of less than about 1/200, less than about 1/175, less than about 1/150, less than about 1/125, less than about 1/100, less than about 1/50, and less than about 1/25 of the viscosity of a standard commercial liquid oral megestrol formulation at about the same concentration per ml of megestrol. 
     
     
         46 . The composition of  claim 1  having a viscosity selected from the group consisting of from about 175 mPa s to about 1 mPa s, from about 150 mPa s to about 1 mPa, from about 125 mPa s to about 1 mPa s, from about 100 mPa s to about 1 mPa s, from about 75 mPa s to about 1 mPa s, from about 50 mPa s to about 1 mPa s, from about 25 mPa s to about 1 mPa s, from about 15 mPa s to about 1 mPa s, and from about 5 mPa s to about 1 mPa s. 
     
     
         47 . A liquid oral megestrol acetate composition having a viscosity less than the viscosity of a standard commercial megestrol formulation. 
     
     
         48 . The composition of  claim 47 , wherein the amount of megestrol acetate per ml is equal to or greater than the amount of megestrol acetate per ml of a standard commercial liquid oral megestrol acetate formulation. 
     
     
         49 . The composition of  claim 48 , wherein the viscosity is selected from the group consisting of less than about 1/200, less than about 1/175, less than about 1/150, less than about 1/125, less than about 1/100, less than about 1/50, less than about 1/25 of a standard commercial liquid oral megestrol formulation at about the same concentration per ml of megestrol acetate. 
     
     
         50 . The composition of  claim 1  having a viscosity selected from the group consisting of from about 175 mPa s to about 1 mPa s, from about 150 mPa s to about 1 mPa, from about 125 mPa s to about 1 mPa s, from about 100 mPa s to about 1 mPa s, from about 75 mPa s to about 1 mPa s, from about 50 mPa s to about 1 mPa s, from about 25 mPa s to about 1 mPa s, from about 15 mPa s to about 1 mPa s, and from about 5 mPa s to about 1 mPa s. 
     
     
         51 . A megestrol acetate nanoparticulate composition comprising:
 (a) particles of megestrol acetate having an effective average particle size of less than about 2000 nm; and   (b) associated with the surface thereof hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DOSS).   
     
     
         52 . The composition of  claim 51 , wherein the ratio of megestrol acetate:HPMC is about 1:about 5 and the ratio of megestrol acetate:DOSS is about 1:about 100. 
     
     
         53 . A method of making a nanoparticulate megestrol composition comprising contacting megestrol particles with at least one surface stabilizer for a time and under conditions sufficient to provide a nanoparticulate megestrol composition having an effective average particle size of less than about 2000 nm. 
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein said contacting comprising grinding. 
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 54 , wherein said grinding comprising wet grinding. 
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein said contacting comprises homogenizing. 
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein said contacting comprises:
 (a) dissolving the megestrol particles in a solvent;   (b) adding the resulting megestrol solution to a solution comprising at least one surface stabilizer; and   (c) precipitating the solubilized megestrol having at least one surface stabilizer associated with the surface thereof by the   
       addition thereto of a non-solvent. 
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the megestrol is selected from the group consisting of a crystalline phase, an amorphous phase, a semi-crystalline phase, a semi-amorphous phase, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the effective average particle size of the nanoparticulate megestrol particles is selected from the group consisting of less than about 1900 nm, less than about 1800 nm, less than about 1700 nm, less than about 1600 nm, less than about 1500 nm, less than about 1400 nm, less than about 1300 nm, less than about 1200 nm, less than about 1100 nm, less than about 1000 nm, less than about 900 nm, less than about 800 nm, less than about 700 nm, less than about 600 nm, less than about 500 nm, less than about 400 nm, less than about 300 nm, less than about 250 nm, less than about 200 nm, less than about 100 nm, less than about 75 nm, and less than about 50 nm. 
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the megestrol is present in an amount selected from the group consisting of from about 99% to about 0.001%, from about 95% to about 0.5%, and from about 90% to about 0.5%, by weight, based on the total combined weight of the megestrol and at least one surface stabilizer, not including other excipients. 
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein at least one surface stabilizer is present in an amount selected from the group consisting of from about 0.5% to about 99.999%, from about 5.0% to about 99.9%, and from about 10% to about 99.5%, by weight, based on the total combined dry weight of the megestrol and at least one surface stabilizer, not including other excipients. 
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 53 , comprising at least two surface stabilizers, including a primary surface stabilizer and a secondary surface stabilizer. 
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein the primary surface stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and random copolymers of vinyl acetate and vinyl pyrrolidone 
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein the secondary surface stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of sodium lauryl sulfate and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate. 
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 62 , wherein the at least one secondary surface stabilizer is present in an amount selected from the group consisting of from about 0.01% to about 99%, from about 0.1% to about 95%, and from about 1% to about 90%, by weight, based on the total combined dry weight of the megestrol, at least one primary surface stabilizer, and at least one secondary surface stabilizer, not including other excipients. 
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein the surface stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of an anionic surface stabilizer, a cationic surface stabilizer, an ionic surface stabilizer, and a zwitterionic surface stabilizer. 
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the at least one surface stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of cetyl pyridinium chloride, gelatin, casein, phosphatides, dextran, glycerol, gum acacia, cholesterol, tragacanth, stearic acid, benzalkonium chloride, calcium stearate, glycerol monostearate, cetostearyl alcohol, cetomacrogol emulsifying wax, sorbitan esters, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyethylene glycols, dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, polyoxyethylene stearates, colloidal silicon dioxide, phosphates, sodium dodecylsulfate, carboxymethylcellulose calcium, hydroxypropyl celluloses, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose phthalate, noncrystalline cellulose, magnesium aluminum silicate, triethanolamine, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, 4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-phenol polymer with ethylene oxide and formaldehyde, poloxamers; poloxamines, a charged phospholipid, dioctylsulfosuccinate, dialkylesters of sodium sulfosuccinic acid, sodium lauryl sulfate, alkyl aryl polyether sulfonates, mixtures of sucrose stearate and sucrose distearate, p-isononylphenoxypoly-(glycidol), decanoyl-N-methylglucamide; n-decyl β-D-glucopyranoside; n-decyl β-D-maltopyranoside; n-dodecyl β-D-glucopyranoside; n-dodecyl β-D-maltoside; heptanoyl-N-methylglucamide; n-heptyl-β-D-glucopyranoside; n-heptyl β-D-thioglucoside; n-hexyl β-D-glucopyranoside; nonanoyl-N-methylglucamide; n-noyl β-D-glucopyranoside; octanoyl-N-methylglucamide; n-octyl-β-D-glucopyranoside; octyl β-D-thioglucopyranoside; lysozyme, PEG-phospholipid, PEG-cholesterol, PEG-cholesterol derivative, PEG-vitamin A, PEG-vitamin E, and random copolymers of vinyl acetate and vinyl pyrrolidone. 
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the at least one cationic surface stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of a polymer, a biopolymer, a polysaccharide, a cellulosic, an alginate, a nonpolymeric compound, and a phospholipid. 
     
     
         69 . The method of  claim 66 , wherein the surface stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of polymethylmethacrylate trimethylammonium bromide, polyvinylpyrrolidone-2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate dimethyl sulfate, and hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide, cationic lipids, sulfonium compounds, phosphonium compounds, quarternary ammonium compounds, benzyl-di(2-chloroethyl)ethylammonium bromide, coconut trimethyl ammonium chloride, coconut trimethyl ammonium bromide, coconut methyl dihydroxyethyl ammonium chloride, coconut methyl dihydroxyethyl ammonium bromide, decyl triethyl ammonium chloride, decyl dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium chloride, decyl dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium chloride bromide, C 12-15 dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium chloride, C 12-15 dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium chloride bromide, coconut dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium chloride, coconut dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium bromide, myristyl trimethyl ammonium methyl sulphate, lauryl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, lauryl dimethyl benzyl ammonium bromide, lauryl dimethyl (ethenoxy) 4  ammonium chloride, lauryl dimethyl (ethenoxy) 4  ammonium bromide, N-alkyl (C 12-18 )dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, N-alkyl (C 14-18 )dimethyl-benzyl ammonium chloride, N-tetradecylidmethyl benzyl ammonium chloride monohydrate, dimethyl didecyl ammonium chloride, N-alkyl and (C 12-14 ) dimethyl 1-napthylmethyl ammonium chloride, trimethylammonium halide, alkyl-trimethylammonium salts, dialkyl-dimethylammonium salts, lauryl trimethyl ammonium chloride, ethoxylated alkyamidoalkyldialkylammonium salt, an ethoxylated trialkyl ammonium salt, dialkylbenzene dialkylammonium chloride, N-didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride, N-tetradecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium, chloride monohydrate, N-alkyl(C 12-14 ) dimethyl 1-naphthylmethyl ammonium chloride, dodecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, dialkyl benzenealkyl ammonium chloride, lauryl trimethyl ammonium chloride, alkylbenzyl methyl ammonium chloride, alkyl benzyl dimethyl ammonium bromide, C 12  trimethyl ammonium bromides, C 15  trimethyl ammonium bromides, C 17  trimethyl ammonium bromides, dodecylbenzyl triethyl ammonium chloride, poly-diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC), dimethyl ammonium chlorides, alkyldimethylammonium halogenides, tricetyl methyl ammonium chloride, decyltrimethylammonium bromide, dodecyltriethylammonium bromide, tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide, methyl trioctylammonium chloride. POLYQUAT 10™, tetrabutylammonium bromide, benzyl trimethylammonium bromide, choline esters, benzalkonium chloride, stearalkonium chloride compounds, cetyl pyridinium bromide, cetyl pyridinium chloride, halide salts of quaternized polyoxyethylalkylamines, MIRAPOL™, ALKAQUAT™, alkyl pyridinium salts; amines, amine salts, amine oxides, imide azolinium salts, protonated quaternary acrylamides, methylated quaternary polymers, and cationic guar. 
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein after preparation of the nanoparticulate megestrol composition, a second megestrol composition having an effective average particle size of greater than about 2 microns is combined with the nanoparticulate megestrol composition. 
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 53 , wherein either prior or subsequent to preparation of the nanoparticulate megestrol composition, at least one non-megestrol active agent is added to the nanoparticulate megestrol composition. 
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 71 , wherein said non-megestrol active agent is selected from the group consisting of amino acids proteins, peptides, nucleotides, anti-obesity drugs, nutraceuticals, dietary supplements, carotenoids, central nervous system stimulants, corticosteroids, elastase inhibitors, anti-fungals, alkylxanthine, oncology therapies, anti-emetics, analgesics, opioids, antipyretics, cardiovascular agents, anti-inflammatory agents, anthelmintics, anti-arrhythmic agents, antibiotics, anticoagulants, antidepressants, antidiabetic agents, antiepileptics, antihistamines, antihypertensive agents, antimuscarinic agents, antimycobacterial agents, antineoplastic agents, immunosuppressants, antithyroid agents, antiviral agents, anxiolytics, sedatives, astringents, alpha-adrenergic receptor blocking agents, beta-adrenoceptor blocking agents, blood products, blood substitutes, cardiac inotropic agents, contrast media, corticosteroids, cough suppressants, diagnostic agents, diagnostic imaging agents, diuretics, dopaminergics, haemostatics, immunological agents, lipid regulating agents, muscle relaxants, parasympathomimetics, parathyroid calcitonin and biphosphonates, prostaglandins, radio-pharmaceuticals, sex hormones, anti-allergic agents, stimulants, anoretics, sympathomimetics, thyroid agents, vasodilators, vasomodulator, xanthines, Mu receptor antagonists, Kappa receptor antagonists, non-narcotic analgesics, monoamine uptake inhibitors, adenosine regulating agents, cannabinoid derivatives, Substance P antagonists, neurokinin-1 receptor antagonists, and sodium channel blockers. 
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 72 , wherein said nutraceutical is selected from the group consisting of lutein, folic acid, fatty acids, fruit extracts, vegetable extracts, vitamin supplements, mineral supplements, phosphatidylserine, lipoic acid, melatonin, glucosamine/chondroitin, Aloe Vera, Guggul, glutamine, amino acids, green tea, lycopene, whole foods, food additives, herbs, phytonutrients, antioxidants, flavonoid constituents of fruits, evening primrose oil, flax seeds, fish oils, marine animal oils, and probiotics. 
     
     
         74 . The method of any of  claim 71 ,  72 , or  73 , wherein at least one non-megestrol active agent has an effective average particle size of less than about 2 microns. 
     
     
         75 . The method of any of  claim 71 ,  72 , or  73 , wherein at least one non-megestrol active agent has an effective average particle size of greater than about 2 microns. 
     
     
         76 . A method of treating a subject in need with a nanoparticulate megestrol formulation comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a nanoparticulate composition comprising megestrol particles having at least one surface stabilizer associated with the surface thereof, wherein the megestrol particles have an effective average particle size of less than about 2000 nm. 
     
     
         77 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the condition to be treated is selected from the group consisting of neoplastic diseases, breast cancer, endometrial cancer, uterine cancer, cervical cancer, prostate cancer, renal cancer, hormone replacement therapy in post-menopausal women, endometriosis, hirsutism, dysmenorrhea, uterine bleeding, HIV wasting, cancer wasting, cachexia, anorexia, castration, and oral contraception. 
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the nanoparticulate megestrol formulation is administered in the form of an oral suspension. 
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein a maximum blood plasma concentration of megestrol is attained in about 1 hour or less after administration of the nanoparticulate megestrol formulation in fasting subjects. 
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein a maximum blood plasma concentration of megestrol of at least about 700 ng/ml is obtained. 
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 80 , wherein the maximum blood plasma concentration of megestrol is at least about 700 ng/ml and is attained in less than 5 hours after administration of the nanoparticulate megestrol formulation. 
     
     
         82 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the maximum blood plasma concentration of megestrol is at least about 400 ng/ml and is attained in less than 5 hours after administration of the nanoparticulate megestrol formulation. 
     
     
         83 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the nanoparticulate megestrol formulation is administered in an amount providing from about 1 mg/day to about 1000 mg/day of megestrol. 
     
     
         84 . The method of  claim 83 , wherein the nanoparticulate megestrol formulation is administered in an amount providing from about 40 mg/day to about 800 mg/day of megestrol. 
     
     
         85 . The method of  claim 83 , wherein the nanoparticulate megestrol formulation is administered in an amount providing from about 500 mg/day to about 700 mg/day of megestrol. 
     
     
         86 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the amount of nanoparticulate megestrol formulation is 575 mg/day, 625 mg/day or 675 mg/day. 
     
     
         87 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the amount of nanoparticulate megestrol formulation is 575 mg/day. 
     
     
         88 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the megestrol is selected from the group consisting of a crystalline phase, an amorphous phase, a semi-crystalline phase, a semi-amorphous phase, and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
         89 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the effective average particle size of the nanoparticulate megestrol particles is selected from the group consisting of less than about 1900 nm, less than about 1800 nm, less than about 1700 nm, less than about 1600 nm, less than about 1500 nm, less than about 1400 nm, less than about 1300 nm, less than about 1200 nm, less than about 1100 nm, less than about 1000 nm, less than about 900 nm, less than about 800 nm, less than about 700 nm, less than about 600 nm, less than about 500 nm, less than about 400 nm, less than about 300 nm, less than about 250 nm, less than about 200 nm, less than about 100 nm, less than about 75 nm, and less than about 50 nm. 
     
     
         90 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the composition is formulated for administration selected from the group consisting of oral, pulmonary, rectal, opthalmic, colonic, parenteral, intracisternal, intravaginal, intraperitoneal, local, buccal, nasal, and topical administration. 
     
     
         91 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the composition further comprises one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, carriers, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         92 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the megestrol is present in an amount selected from the group consisting of from about 99% to about 0.01%, from about 95% to about 0.5%, and from about 90% to about 0.5%, by weight, based on the total combined weight of the megestrol and at least one surface stabilizer, not including other excipients. 
     
     
         93 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the at least one surface stabilizer is present in an amount selected from the group consisting of from about 0.01% to about 99.5% by weight, from about 0.1% to about 95% by weight, and from about 0.5% to about 90% by weight, based on the total combined dry weight of the megestrol and at least one surface stabilizer, not including other excipients. 
     
     
         94 . The method of  claim 76 , comprising at least one primary surface stabilizer and at least one secondary surface stabilizer. 
     
     
         95 . The method of  claim 94 , wherein the primary surface stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, polyvinylpyrrolidone, and random copolymers of vinyl acetate and vinyl pyrrolidone 
     
     
         96 . The method of  claim 94 , wherein the secondary surface stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of sodium lauryl sulfate and dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate. 
     
     
         97 . The method of  claim 94 , wherein the at least one secondary surface stabilizer is present in an amount selected from the group consisting of from about 0.01% to about 99%, from about 0.1% to about 95%, and from about 1% to about 90%, by weight, based on the total combined dry weight of the megestrol, at least one primary surface stabilizer, and at least one secondary surface stabilizer, not including other excipients. 
     
     
         98 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the surface stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of an anionic surface stabilizer, a cationic surface stabilizer, and an ionic surface stabilizer. 
     
     
         99 . The method of  claim 98 , wherein the at least one surface stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of cetyl pyridinium chloride, gelatin, casein, phosphatides, dextran, glycerol, gum acacia, cholesterol, tragacanth, stearic acid, benzalkonium chloride, calcium stearate, glycerol monostearate, cetostearyl alcohol, cetomacrogol emulsifying wax, sorbitan esters, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene castor oil derivatives, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyethylene glycols, dodecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide, polyoxyethylene stearates, colloidal silicon dioxide, phosphates, sodium dodecylsulfate, carboxymethylcellulose calcium, hydroxypropyl celluloses, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose sodium, methylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose phthalate, noncrystalline cellulose, magnesium aluminum silicate, triethanolamine, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, 4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)-phenol polymer with ethylene oxide and formaldehyde, poloxamers; poloxamines, a charged phospholipid, dioctylsulfosuccinate, dialkylesters of sodium sulfosuccinic acid, sodium lauryl sulfate, alkyl aryl polyether sulfonates, mixtures of sucrose stearate and sucrose distearate, p-isononylphenoxypoly-(glycidol), decanoyl-N-methylglucamide; n-decyl β-D-glucopyranoside; n-decyl β-D-maltopyranoside; n-dodecyl β-D-glucopyranoside; n-dodecyl β-D-maltoside; heptanoyl-N-methylglucamide; n-heptyl-β-D-glucopyranoside; n-heptyl β-D-thioglucoside; n-hexyl β-D-glucopyranoside; nonanoyl-N-methylglucamide; n-noyl β-D-glucopyranoside; octanoyl-N-methylglucamide; n-octyl-β-D-glucopyranoside; octyl β-D-thioglucopyranoside; lysozyme, PEG-phospholipid, PEG-cholesterol, PEG-cholesterol derivative, PEG-vitamin A, PEG-vitamin E, and random copolymers of vinyl acetate and vinyl pyrrolidone. 
     
     
         100 . The method of  claim 98 , wherein the at least one cationic surface stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of a polymer, a biopolymer, a polysaccharide, a cellulosic, an alginate, a nonpolymeric compound, and a phospholipid. 
     
     
         101 . The method of  claim 98 , wherein the surface stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of benzalkonium chloride, polymethylmethacrylate trimethylammonium bromide, polyvinylpyrrolidone-2-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate dimethyl sulfate, and hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium bromide. 
     
     
         102 . The method of  claim 98 , wherein the surface stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of cationic lipids, sulfonium compounds, phosphonium compounds, quarternary ammonium compounds, benzyl-di(2-chloroethyl)ethylammonium bromide, coconut trimethyl ammonium chloride, coconut trimethyl ammonium bromide, coconut methyl dihydroxyethyl ammonium chloride, coconut methyl dihydroxyethyl ammonium bromide, decyl triethyl ammonium chloride, decyl dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium chloride, decyl dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium chloride bromide, C 12-15 dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium chloride, C 12-15 dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium chloride bromide, coconut dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium chloride, coconut dimethyl hydroxyethyl ammonium bromide, myristyl trimethyl ammonium methyl sulphate, lauryl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, lauryl dimethyl benzyl ammonium bromide, lauryl dimethyl (ethenoxy) 4  ammonium chloride, lauryl dimethyl (ethenoxy) 4  ammonium bromide, N-alkyl (C 12-18 )dimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, N-alkyl (C 14-18 )dimethyl-benzyl ammonium chloride, N-tetradecylidmethylbenzyl ammonium chloride monohydrate, dimethyl didecyl ammonium chloride N-alkyl and (C 12-14 ) dimethyl 1-napthylmethyl ammoniurn chloride, trimethylammonium halide, alkyl-trimethylammonium salts, dialkyl-dimethylammonium salts, lauryl trimethyl ammonium chloride, ethoxylated alkyamidoalkyldialkylammonium salt, an ethoxylated trialkyl ammonium salt, dialkylbenzene dialkylammonium chloride, N-didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride, N-tetradecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium, chloride monohydrate, N-alkyl(C 12-14 ) dimethyl 1-naphthylmethyl ammonium chloride, dodecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride, dialkyl benzenealkyl ammonium chloride, lauryl trimethyl ammonium chloride, alkylbenzyl methyl ammonium chloride, alkyl benzyl dimethyl ammonium bromide. C 12  trimethyl ammonium bromides, C 15  trimethyl ammonium bromides, C 17  trimethyl ammonium bromides, dodecylbenzyl triethyl ammonium chloride, poly-diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC), dimethyl ammonium chlorides, alkyldimethylammonium halogenides, tricetyl methyl ammonium chloride, decyltrimethylammonium bromide, dodecyltriethylammonium bromide, tetradecyltrimethylammonium bromide, methyl trioctylammonium chloride, POLYQUAT 10™, tetrabutylammonium bromide, benzyl trimethylammonium bromide, choline esters, benzalkonium chloride, stearalkonium chloride compounds, cetyl pyridinium bromide, cetyl pyridinium chloride, halide salts of quaternized polyoxyethylalkylamines, MIRAPOL™, ALKAQUAT™, alkyl pyridinium salts; amines, amine salts, amine oxides, imide azolinium salts, protonated quaternary acrylamides, methylated quaternary polymers, and cationic guar. 
     
     
         103 . A therapeutic method comprising orally administering to a mammalian subject in need an effective amount of a composition comprising megestrol acetate formulated in such a way as to provide a blood plasma concentration profile, after an initial dose of said composition, with a T max  of said megestrol acetate of less than 5 hours, and a C max  of said megestrol acetate of at least 30 ng/ml. 
     
     
         104 . The method of  claim 103 , wherein said T max  of megestrol acetate is not greater than 3 hours. 
     
     
         105 . The method of  claim 103 , wherein said subject is a human. 
     
     
         106 . The method of  claim 103 , wherein said composition is an oral suspension. 
     
     
         107 . The method of  claim 103 , wherein said composition is a tablet. 
     
     
         108 . The method of  claim 103  wherein said method is used to treat cachexia. 
     
     
         109 . A method of providing megestrol to a fed human subject comprising administering a nanoparticulate megestrol formulation, wherein absorption comprises AUC0-t in an amount of about 3000 ng hr/ml to about 15,000 ng hr/ml. 
     
     
         110 . The method of  claim 109 , wherein Cmax is about 300 ng/ml to about 1700 ng/ml. 
     
     
         111 . A method of providing megestrol to a fasted human subject comprising administering a nanoparticulate megestrol formulation, wherein absorption comprises AUC0-t in an amount of about 2000 ng hr/ml to about 9000 ng hr/ml. 
     
     
         112 . The method of  claim 111 , wherein Cmax is about 300 ng/ml to about 2000 ng/ml.