40-o-(2-hydroxy)ethyl-rapamycin coated stent

Abstract

A method and coating for reducing the release rate of an active agent from an implantable device, such as a stent, is disclosed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A stent comprising a radially expandable body and a coating covering at least a portion of the body, the coating containing 40-O-(2-hydroxy)ethyl-rapamycin, or an analog or derivative thereof, wherein the release rate of the 40-O-(2-hydroxy)ethyl-rapamycin, or the analog or derivative thereof, in 24 hours after the implantation of the stent is less than about 50% of the total amount contained in the coating. 
     
     
         2 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the derivative or analogue of 40-O-(2-hydroxy)ethyl-rapamycin includes 40-O-(3-hydroxy)propyl-rapamycin and 40-O-[2-(2-hydroxy)ethoxy]ethyl-rapamycin. 
     
     
         3 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the coating comprises an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer. 
     
     
         4 . The stent of  claim 1 , wherein the coating is made from a polymer including a first region having a first degree of crystallinity and a second region having a second degree of crystallinity, the second degree of crystallinity being greater than the first degree of crystallinity. 
     
     
         5 . The stent of  claim 4 , wherein the second region is positioned beneath the first region.