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BioDrugs
Published in: BioDrugs 3/2005

01-05-2005 | Drug Delivery

The Science of Megestrol Acetate Delivery

Potential to Improve Outcomes in Cachexia

Authors: Dr Robert A. Femia, Richert E. Goyette

Published in: BioDrugs | Issue 3/2005

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Abstract

Cachexia, usually defined as the loss of >5% of an individual’s baseline bodyweight over 2–6 months, occurs with a number of diseases that includes not only AIDS and advanced cancer but also chronic heart failure, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Crohn disease, and renal failure. Anorexia is considered a key component of the anorexia-cachexia syndrome. Progestogens, particularly megestrol acetate, are commonly used to treat anorexia-cachexia. The mechanism of action of megestrol is believed to involve stimulation of appetite by both direct and indirect pathways and antagonism of the metabolic effects of the principal catabolic cytokines. Because the bioavailability of megestrol acetate directly affects its efficacy and safety, the formulation was refined to enhance its pharmacokinetics.
Such efforts yielded megestrol acetate in a tablet form, followed by a concentrated oral suspension form, and an oral suspension form developed using nanocrystal technology. Nanocrystal technology was designed specifically to optimize drug delivery and enhance the bioavailability of drugs that have poor solubility in water. Megestrol acetate nanocrystal oral suspension is currently under review by the US FDA for the treatment of cachexia in patients with AIDS. Preclinical pharmacokinetic data suggest that the new megestrol acetate formulation has the potential to significantly shorten the time to clinical response and thus may improve outcomes in patients with anorexia-cachexia.
Footnotes
1
The use of trade names is for product identification purposes only and does not imply endorsement
 
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Metadata
Title
The Science of Megestrol Acetate Delivery
Potential to Improve Outcomes in Cachexia
Authors
Dr Robert A. Femia
Richert E. Goyette
Publication date
01-05-2005
Publisher
Springer International Publishing
Published in
BioDrugs / Issue 3/2005
Print ISSN: 1173-8804
Electronic ISSN: 1179-190X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.2165/00063030-200519030-00004

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