Delivery of microparticle-conjugated drugs for inhibition of stenosis

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 antiinflammatory 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.