The present invention provides compositions comprising a poorly water soluble pharmaceutical agent, a carrier protein, and an antimicrobial agent, wherein significant microbial growth is inhibited in the composition. The amount of the antimicrobial agent in the composition may be below the level that induces a toxicological effect or at a level where a potential side effect can be controlled or tolerated. Also provided are compositions comprising a poorly water soluble pharmaceutical agent, a carrier protein, a sugar, and optionally an antimicrobial agent. Methods of using the compositions are also provided.

The present invention provides stable pharmaceutical compositions of poorly water soluble pharmaceutical agents and stabilizing agents which function to increase stability of the compositions. The use of stabilizing agents provide extended stability of nanoparticle suspensions and other formulations of poorly water soluble pharmaceutical agents such as docetaxel under certain conditions, for example upon dilution for administration.