Abstract: The current invention comprises an approach to solving the clinical problem of restenosis, which involves the administration of combinations of drugs to patients undergoing PTCA or stent implantation. In one embodiment of the invention, an antiproliferative agent such as rapamycin, vincristine or taxol is administered in combination with the anti-inflammatory agent, dexamethasone, to patients systemically, either subcutaneously or intravenously. In another embodiment of the invention, the antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory agents are bound in a single formulation to the surface of a stent by means of incorporation within either a biodegradeable or biostable polymeric coating. Alternatively, such drug combinations could be incorporated into a stent constructed with a grooved reservoir.

Abstract: The current invention comprises an approach to solving the clinical problem of restenosis, which involves the administration of combinations of drugs to patients undergoing PTCA or stent implantation. In one embodiment of the invention, an antiproliferative agent such as rapamycin, vincristine or taxol is administered in combination with the antiinflammatory agent, dexamethasone, to patients systemically, either subcutaneously or intravenously. In another embodiment of the invention, the antiproliferative and antiinflammatory agents are bound in a single formulation to the surface of a stent by means of incorporation within either a biodegradable or biostable polymeric coating. Alternatively, such drug combinations could be incorporated into a stent constructed with a grooved reservoir.