Abstract: The present application refers to the use of cells, e.g. mesenchymal stem cells or mesenchymal stromal cells, or any further suitable cell, encoding and secreting at least GLP-1, or a fragment or variant thereof, and preferably additionally secreting VEGF, for the prevention, treatment and/or amelioration of vascular diseases, wherein the cells, encoding and secreting at least GLP-1, or a fragment or variant thereof, and preferably additionally secreting VEGF, are encapsulated in a (spherical) microcapsule to prevent a response of the immune system of the patient to be treated. The present application also refers to the use of these (spherical) microcapsule(s) or of a pharmaceutical composition containing these cells or (spherical) microcapsule(s) for the prevention, treatment and/or amelioration of vascular diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a balloon expandable stent mounted on a balloon catheter, the entire assembly being overcoated with a coherent polymer coating, which is preferably substantially continuous over the circumference and, more preferably, axial length of the stem on the balloon. The polymer coating improves retention of the stent on the balloon during delivery and does not adversely effect the deployment characteristics, nor the balloon failure characteristics. The product is made by mounting the stent on the balloon and coating the assembly with a liquid coating composition containing a suitable polymer followed by curing of the coating. The polymer is biocompatible and preferably crosslinkable in the coating composition, and crosslinked in the final product. A suitable polymer is formed from monomers including a zwitterionic, preferably a phosphoryl choline, group, and monomers including a trialkoxysilyl group.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for malignant tumour embolisation comprises a polymer and, associated with the polymer in a releasable form, a COX inhibitor, e.g. a non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen. The polymer is preferably-in particulate form, such as in the form of microspheres. A suitable polymer is a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol polymer formed by the copolymerisation of PVA macromer with other ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The composition provides a synergistic treatment for the symptoms of malignant tumours, leading to tumour necrosis or ischaemia, with anti-angiogenic effects, promotion of apoptosis, decrease in invasiveness of tumour cells and resultant tumour regression.

Abstract: An embolic composition comprises microspheres formed of water-insoluble water-swellable anionic polymer having swollen diameter more than 100 ?m, and a cationic camptothecin compound, preferably irinotecan. The microspheres are preferably formed of crosslinked polyvinylalcohol, preferably of ethylenically unsaturated polyvinylalcohol macromer, crosslinked with anionic ethylenically unsaturated anionic comonomer. The compositions are used to treat hypervascular tumours for instance colorectal metastases of the liver.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for embolisation of blood vessels, especially for benign tumours, comprises a polymeric embolic agent and, associated with the polymer in a releasable form, a local anaesthetic agent. The polymer is preferably in particulate form, such as in the form of microspheres. A suitable polymer is a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol polymer formed by the copolymerisation of PVA macromer with other ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The composition provides a synergistic treatment for the symptoms of tumours such as uterine fibroids, leading to size regression as well as pain relief.

Abstract: A composition for chemoembolotherapy of solid tumours comprises particles of a water-insoluble water-swellable synthetic anionic polymer and, absorbed therein an anthracycline. Suitably the polymer is a poly(vinyl alcohol) based polymer and the drug is doxorubicin.

Abstract: The present invention relate to a balloon expandable stent mounted on a balloon catheter, the entire assembly being overcoated with a coherent polymer coating, which is preferably substantially continuous over the circumference and, more preferably, axial length of the stent on the balloon. The polymer coating improves retention of the stent on the balloon during delivery and does not adversely effect the deployment characteristics, nor the balloon failure characteristics. The product is made by mounting the stent on the balloon and coating the assembly with a liquid coating composition containing a suitable polymer followed by curing of the coating. The polymer is biocompatible and preferably crosslinkable in the coating composition, and crosslinked in the final product. A suitable polymer is formed from monomers including a zwitterionic, preferably a phosphoryl choline, group, and monomers including a trialkoxysilyl group.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition for uterine fibroid embolisation comprises a polymer and, associated with the polymer in a releasable form, a COX inhibitor, e.g. a non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug, such as ibuprofen. The polymer is preferably in particulate form, such as in the form of microspheres. A suitable polymer is a crosslinked polyvinyl alcohol polymer formed by the copolymerisation of PVA macromer with other ethylenically unsaturated monomers. The composition provides a synergistic treatment for the symptoms of uterine fibroids, leading to size regression as well as pain relief.