Local drug delivery devices and methods for maintaining the drug coatings thereon

Abstract

Local drug delivery medical devices are utilized to deliver therapeutic dosages of drugs, agents or compounds directly to the site where needed. The local drug delivery medical devices utilize various materials and coating methodologies to maintain the drugs, agents or compounds on the medical device until delivered and positioned.

1 . A drug delivery device comprising an intraluminal stent, rapamycin or a macrocyclic triene analog thereof, and a polyvinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene copolymer.  
     
     
         2 . A drug delivery device according to  claim 1  wherein the stent bears a coating that comprises said copolymer and said rapamycin or macrocyclic triene analog thereof.  
     
     
         3 . A drug delivery device according to  claim 2  further comprising at least one additional layer comprising a nonerodible polymer.  
     
     
         4 . A drug delivery device according to  claim 3  wherein said layer overlays said coating.  
     
     
         5 . A drug delivery device according to  claim 1  wherein said coating and said layer have a combined thickness of about 1 micron to about 20 microns.  
     
     
         6 . A drug delivery device according to  claim 1  wherein said rapamycin or macrocyclic triene analog thereof remains on said stent for about six months.  
     
     
         7 . A drug delivery device according to any one of  claims 1  to  6  wherein said rapamycin or macrocyclic triene analog thereof is a macrocyclic triene analog of rapamycin that binds FKBP12.