abstract |
The invention describes novel nitrosated and/or nitrosylated rapamycin compounds, and novel compositions comprising at least one nitrosated and/or nitrosylated rapamycin compound, and, optionally, at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide, elevates endogenous levels of endothelium-derived relaxing factor, stimulates endogenous synthesis of nitric oxide or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase and/or at least one therapeutic agent. The invention also provides novel compositions comprising at least one rapamycin compound and at least one compound that donates, transfers or releases nitric oxide, elevates endogenous levels of endothelium-derived relaxing factor, stimulates endogenous synthesis of nitric oxide or is a substrate for nitric oxide synthase and/or at least one therapeutic agent. The compounds and compositions of the invention can also be bound to a matrix. The invention also provides methods for treating and/or preventing cardiovascular diseases, for the prevention of platelet aggregation and platelet adhesion caused by the exposure of blood to a medical device, for treating and/or preventing pathological conditions resulting from abnormal cell proliferation; transplantation rejections; autoimmune, inflammatory, proliferative, hyperproliferative or vascular diseases; for reducing scar tissue or for inhibiting wound contraction, particularly the prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of restenosis by administering nitrosated and/or nitrosylated rapamycin compounds or rapamycin compounds in combination with nitric oxide donors that are capable of releasing nitric oxide or indirectly delivering or transferring nitric oxide to targeted sites under physiological conditions. |