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.

1 . A method for producing a medicament wherein said method comprises the use of megestrol acetate or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof for the production of a medicament for improving cardiac function and/or the treatment of chronic heart insufficiency. 
     
     
         2 . The method, according to  claim 1 , characterised in that the megestrol acetate is selected from common megestrol acetate oral suspension (Megace®) and/or Megace® ES. 
     
     
         3 . The method, according to  claim 1 , characterised in that the medicament is formulated to be applied orally. 
     
     
         4 . The method, according to  claim 1 , characterised in that the megestrol acetate or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof is formulated in combination with one or more drugs that are typically used in the treatment of chronic heart insufficiency. 
     
     
         5 . The method, according to  claim 4 , wherein the megestrol acetate, or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof, is formulated with one or more agents selected from the group consisting of diuretics, vasodilators, digitalis, ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor antagonists, beta-blockers, aldosterone antagonists, endothelin receptor antagonists, xanthin oxidase inhibitors, statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) bile-acid resins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, nicotinic acid, and fibric acid derivatives. 
     
     
         6 . The method, according to  claim 5 , characterised in that the diuretic is furosemide. 
     
     
         7 . A composition, comprising megestrol acetate or a pharmaceutical acceptably salt thereof in combination with one or more drugs that are typically used in the treatment of chronic heart insufficiency. 
     
     
         8 . The composition, according to  claim 7 , wherein the megestrol acetate, or a pharmaceutical acceptable salt thereof, is formulated with one or more agents selected from the group consisting of diuretics, vasodilators, digitalis, ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin-II receptor antagonists, beta-blockers, aldosterone antagonists, endothelin receptor antagonists, xanthin oxidase inhibitors, statins (HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors) bile-acid resins, cholesterol absorption inhibitors, nicotinic acid, and fibric acid derivatives. 
     
     
         9 . The composition, according to  claim 8 , characterised in that in that the diuretic is furosemide.