| abstract |
Administration of a formulation comprising a antirestenotic compound conjugated to a microparticle carrier is effective to inhibit stenosis formation in a blood vessel. Such stenosis typically results, in the absence of treatment, from trauma to a vessel, such as an incision, excessive pressure, an angioplasty procedure and/or stent implantation. The antirestenotic compound is typically an antiproliferative, immunosuppressive, or anti-inflammatory drug, such as rapamycin, tacrolimus, paclitaxel, dexamethasone, or an active analog or derivative, an antisense oligonucleotide, or combinations thereof. The microparticle carrier comprises a suspension of gas-filled microbubbles or biocompatible polymeric microparticles, in a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid vehicle, and is effective to deliver the conjugated therapeutic to the site of vessel injury. |