Compositions and methods for treating or preventing diseases of body passageways

Abstract

The present invention provides methods for treating or preventing diseases associated with body passageways, comprising the step of delivering to an external portion of the body passageway a therapeutic agent. Representative examples of therapeutic agents include anti-angiogenic factors, anti-proliferative agents, anti-inflammatory agents, and antibiotics.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method for treating or preventing diseases associated with body passageways, comprising delivering to an external portion of said body passageway a therapeutic agent.  
     
     
         2 . A method for treating or preventing diseases associated with body passageways, comprising delivering to smooth muscle cells of said body passageway, via the adventia, a therapeutic agent.  
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 1  wherin said therapeutic agent is an anti-angiogenic factor.  
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said therapeutic agent further comprises a polymeric carrier.  
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 3  wherein said polmeric carrier is formed into microspheres having an average size of between 0.5 and 200 μm.  
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 3  wherein said polymeric carrier is poly(ethylene-vinyl acetate) (40% crosslinked).  
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 3  wherein said polymeric carrier is copolymer of lactic acid and glycolic acid.  
     
     
         7 . The method according to  claim 3  wherein said polymeric carrier is poly (caprolactone).  
     
     
         8 . The method according to  claim 3  wherein said polymeric carrier is poly (lactic acid).  
     
     
         9 . The method according to  claim 3  wherein said polymeric carrier is a copolymer of poly(lactic acid) and poly(caprolactone).  
     
     
         10 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said therapeutic agent is a compound which disrupts microtubule function.  
     
     
         11 . The method according to  claim 10  wherein said compound which disrupts microtubule function is paclitaxel, or an analogues or derivative thereof.  
     
     
         12 . The method according to  claim 1  wherein said body passageway is selected from the group consisting of arteries, the esophagus, the stomach, the duodenum, the small intestine, the large intestine, biliary tracts, the ureter, the bladder, the urethra, lacrimal ducts, the trachea, bronchi, bronchiole, nasla airways, eustachian tubes, the external auditory canal, and fallopian tubes.  
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 12  wherein said therapeutic agent is delivered to an artery by direct injection via an outer wall of the artery into the adventia.