Use of Megestrol Acetate for Improving Heart Function and the Treatment of Heart Insufficiency

Abstract

The present invention relates to improving the heart function, the survival and/or the treatment of heart insufficiency using megestrol acetate (Megace®; MA) in patients with heart insufficiency and after a myocardial infarction.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A composition for improving cardiac function and/or treatment of chronic heart insufficiency, the composition comprising (a) an active pharmaceutical ingredient consisting of megestrol acetate or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, a diuretic agent and, optionally, one or more agents selected from the group consisting of vasodilators, digitalis, ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor antagonists, beta-blockers, endothelin receptor antagonists, xanthin oxidase inhibitors, statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors), bile-acid resins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, nicotinic acid, and fibric acid derivatives; and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. 
     
     
         2 . The composition, according to  claim 1 , wherein the diuretic is furosemide. 
     
     
         3 . The composition, according to  claim 1 , wherein the composition is formulated for peroral administration. 
     
     
         4 . The composition, according to  claim 1 , wherein the megestrol acetate is a megestrol acetate oral suspension. 
     
     
         5 . The composition, according to  claim 1 , wherein the megestrol acetate is a microcrystalline formulation of a megestrol acetate oral suspension. 
     
     
         6 . The composition, according to  claim 1 , comprising at least 30 mg of megestrol acetate, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.