Use of one or more of the elements from the group yttrium, neodymium and zirconium, and pharmaceutical compositions which contain those elements

Abstract

A method of treating a patient includes the medical use of one or more of the elements from the group yttrium, neodymium and zirconium, pharmaceutical formulations which contain said elements and implants which are at least region-wise made up of such formulations. It has been found inter alia that a formulation containing one or more of the elements has an action of inhibiting the proliferation of human smooth muscle cells.

1 - 3 . (canceled) 
   
   
       4 . An implant with a coating or a constituent having a formulation containing one or more of the elements from the group yttrium (Y), neodymium (Nd) or zirconium (Zr) for inhibiting the proliferation of human smooth muscle cells wherein the formulation is adapted for intravascular liberation after implantation in a vascular vessel and the formulation includes an at least very substantially biodegradable carrier. 
   
   
       5 - 17 . (canceled) 
   
   
       18 . An implant as set forth in  claim 4 , wherein the implant is an endovascular support device. 
   
   
       19 . An implant as set forth in  claim 18  wherein there is between about 5 and 30 μg of yttrium, in relation to 1 mm stent length. 
   
   
       20 . An implant as set forth in  claim 18 , wherein there is between about 2 and 20 μg of neodymium, in relation to 1 mm stent length. 
   
   
       21 . An implant as set forth in  claim 18  wherein there is between about 0.05 and 10 μg of zirconium, in relation to 1 mm stent length.