Abstract: Described is a method for preventing and/or reducing the formation of neointima comprising delivering to cells of an individual angiotensin-(1-7) or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof, wherein use is made of a delivery vehicle that includes means for releasing angiotensin-(1-7) or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof. Also described is a delivery vehicle for preventing and/or reducing the formation of neointima, wherein the delivery vehicle comprises an implantable device which device includes means for releasing angiotensin-(1-7)or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides a use of angiotensin-(1-7), or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof, for the preparation of a medicament for enhancing cardiac function. For instance, left ventricular diastolic pressure, coronary flow, endothelial function and/or myocyte hypertrophy can he enhanced by a medicament of the invention. By enhancing cardiac function, the development of heart failure can he attenuated or prevented. The invention further comprises a pharmaceutical composition comprising angiotensin-(1-7), or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof, and a carrier. A method for treating an animal suffering from, or at risk of suffering from, heart failure comprising administering to the animal a pharmaceutical composition of the present invention is also provided herein.