PULMONARY ADMINISTRATION OF 6-ALPHA-ALKYLATED TESTOSTERONE DERIVATIVES FOR ANDROGEN REPLACEMENT THERAPY

摘要

The present invention relates to a method of treating hypogonadal males as well as to a method of treating or preventing: wasting syndrome, anti-retroviral drug induced lipodystrophia, lack of well-being or fatigue in HIV infected individuals; catabolic state; leydig cell dysfunction and germinal epithelial damage following cytotoxic chemotherapy; fatigue, reduction in hemoglobine or neutrophil count during or subsequent to cytotoxic chemotherapy or radiotherapy; benign gynaecological disorders; or delayed puberty; and in a method of weight maintenance. More specifically the invention is concerned with a method of treatment that comprises pulmonary administration of an effective amount of 6alpha-alkyl and/or 7alpha-alkyl-androgen. Another aspect of the invention is concerned with a pulmonary drug delivery composition based on biodegradable microparticles containing the 6alpha-alkyl and/or 7alpha-alkyl-androgen. Furthermore, the invention relates to an aerosol drug delivery system comprising an aerosol delivery device and a liquid pharmaceutical composition containing said 6alpha-alkyl and/or 7alpha-alkyl-androgen.