Abstract:
The methods of the present disclosure in a broad aspect provide for dry diazeniumdiolation procedures for producing nitric oxide releasing medical devices. These medical devices may alternatively have cap coats applied prior to dry diazeniumdiolation to produce nitric oxide releasing medical devices with cap coats.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present disclosure relates to methods of dry diazeniumdiolation useful for producing nitric oxide releasing medical devices which may be used to treat various diseases and conditions. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Nitric oxide (NO) is a simple diatomic molecule that plays a diverse and complex role in cellular physiology. Less than 25 years ago NO was primarily considered a smog component formed during the combustion of fossil fuels mixed with air. However, as a result of the pioneering work of Ferid Murad et al. it is now known that NO is a powerful signaling compound and cytotoxic/cytostatic agent found in nearly every tissue including endothelial cells, neural cells and macrophages. Mammalian cells synthesize NO using a two step enzymatic process that oxidizes L-arginine to N-ω-hydroxy-L-arginine, which is then converted into L-citrulline and an uncharged NO free radical. Three different nitric oxide synthase enzymes regulate NO production. Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOSI, or nNOS) is formed within neuronal tissue and plays an essential role in neurotransmission; endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3 or eNOS), is secreted by endothelial cells and induces vasodilatation; inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2 or iNOS) is principally found in macrophages, hepatocytes and chondrocytes and is associated with immune cytotoxicity. 
         [0003]    Neuronal NOS and eNOS are constitutive enzymes that regulate the rapid, short-term release of small amounts of NO. In these minute amounts NO activates guanylate cyclase which elevates cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) concentrations which in turn increase intracellular Ca 2+  levels. Increased intracellular Ca 2+  concentrations result in smooth muscle relaxation which accounts for NO&#39;s vasodilating effects. Inducible NOS is responsible for the sustained release of larger amounts of NO and is activated by extracellular factors including endotoxins and cytokines. These higher NO levels play a key role in cellular immunity. 
         [0004]    Medical research is rapidly discovering therapeutic applications for NO including the fields of vascular surgery and interventional cardiology. Procedures used to clear blocked arteries such as percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) (also known as balloon angioplasty) and atherectomy and/or stent placement can result in vessel wall injury at the site of balloon expansion or stent deployment. In response to this injury a complex multi-factorial process known as restenosis can occur whereby the previously opened vessel lumen narrows and becomes re-occluded. Restenosis is initiated when thrombocytes (platelets) migrating to the injury site release mitogens into the injured endothelium. Thrombocytes begin to aggregate and adhere to the injury site initiating thrombogenesis, or clot formation. As a result, the previously opened lumen begins to narrow as thrombocytes and fibrin collect on the vessel wall. In a more frequently encountered mechanism of restenosis, the mitogens secreted by activated thrombocytes adhering to the vessel wall stimulate over-proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells during the healing process, restricting or occluding the injured vessel lumen. The resulting neointimal hyperplasia is the major cause of a stent restenosis. 
         [0005]    Recently, NO has been shown to significantly reduce thrombocyte aggregation and adhesion; this combined with NO&#39;s directly cytotoxic/cytostatic properties may significantly reduce vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and help prevent restenosis. Thrombocyte aggregation occurs within minutes following the initial vascular insult and once the cascade of events leading to restenosis is initiated, irreparable damage can result. Moreover, the risk of thrombogenesis and restenosis persists until the endothelium lining the vessel lumen has been repaired. Therefore, it is essential that NO, or any anti-restenotic agent, reach the injury site immediately. 
         [0006]    One approach for providing a therapeutic level of NO at an injury site is to increase systemic NO levels prophylactically. This can be accomplished by stimulating endogenous NO production or using exogenous NO sources. Methods to regulate endogenous NO release have primarily focused on activation of synthetic pathways using excess amounts of NO precursors like L-arginine, or increasing expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) using gene therapy. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,945,452, 5,891,459 and 5,428,070 describe sustained NO elevation using orally administrated L-arginine and/or L-lysine. However, these methods have not been proven effective in preventing restenosis. Regulating endogenously expressed NO using gene therapy techniques remains highly experimental and has not yet proven safe and effective. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,268,465, 5,468,630 and 5,658,565, describe various gene therapy approaches. 
         [0007]    Exogenous NO sources such as pure NO gas are highly toxic, short-lived and relatively insoluble in physiological fluids. Consequently, systemic exogenous NO delivery is generally accomplished using organic nitrate prodrugs such as nitroglycerin tablets, intravenous suspensions, sprays and transdermal patches. The human body rapidly converts nitroglycerin into NO; however, enzyme levels and co-factors required to activate the prodrug are rapidly depleted, resulting in drug tolerance. Moreover, systemic NO administration can have devastating side effects including hypotension and free radical cell damage. Therefore, using organic nitrate prodrugs to maintain systemic anti-restenotic therapeutic blood levels is not currently possible. 
         [0008]    Therefore, considerable attention has been focused on localized, or site specific, NO delivery to ameliorate the disadvantages associated with systemic prophylaxis. Implantable medical devices and/or local gene therapy techniques including medical devices coated with NO-releasing compounds, or vectors that deliver NOS genes to target cells, have been evaluated. Like their systemic counterparts, gene therapy techniques for the localized NO delivery have not been proven safe and effective. There are still significant technical hurdles and safety concerns that must be overcome before site-specific NOS gene delivery will become a reality. 
         [0009]    However, significant progress has been made in the field of localized exogenous NO application. To be effective at preventing restenosis an inhibitory therapeutic such as NO must be administered for a sustained period at therapeutic levels. Consequently, any NO-releasing medical device used to treat restenosis must be suitable for implantation. An ideal candidate device is the vascular stent. Therefore, a stent that safely provides therapeutically effective amounts of NO to a precise location would represent a significant advance in restenosis treatment and prevention. 
         [0010]    Nitric oxide-releasing compounds suitable for in vivo applications have been developed by a number of investigators. As early as 1960 it was demonstrated that NO gas could be reacted with amines, for example, diethylamine, to form NO-releasing anions having the following general formula R—R′N—N(O)NO. Salts of these compounds could spontaneously decompose and release NO in solution. 
         [0011]    Nitric oxide-releasing compounds with sufficient stability at body temperatures to be useful as therapeutics were ultimately developed by Keefer et al. as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,954,526, 5,039,705, 5,155,137, 5,212,204, 5,250,550, 5,366,997, 5,405,919, 5,525,357 and 5,650,447 all of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
         [0012]    The in vivo half-life of NO, however, is limited, causing difficulties in delivering NO to the intended area. Therefore NO-releasing compounds which can produce extended release of NO are needed. Several exemplary NO-releasing compounds have been developed for this purpose, including for example a NO donating aspirin derivative, amyl nitrite and isosorbide dinitrate. Additionally, biocompatible polymers having NO adducts (see, for example, U.S. Patent Publications 2006/0008529 and 2004/0037836) and which release NO in a controlled manner have been reported. 
         [0013]    Secondary amines have the ability to bind two moles of NO and release them in an aqueous environment. The general structure of exemplary secondary amines capable of binding two NO molecules is depicted in Formula 1, referred to hereinafter a diazeniumdiolate, (wherein M is a counterion, and can be a metal, with the appropriate charge, or a proton and wherein R 1  and R 2  are generic notation for organic and inorganic chemical groups). Exposing secondary amines to basic conditions while incorporating NO gas under pressure leads to the formation of diazeniumdiolates. 
         [0000]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0014]    Polymers with diazeniumdiolate functional groups are capable of spontaneous release of nitric oxide under physiological conditions. Diazeniumdiolate is typically formed by a solution diazeniumdiolation process under strong basic conditions. Generally, the diazeniumdiolate polymers have poor solubility in organic solvent. Thus the coating the diazeniumdiolated polymer on a medical device is a challenge. Diazeniumdiolate may decompose during the coating process. In addition, after the nitric oxide release an alkaline byproduct may be formed, which results in a biocompatibility issue. 
         [0015]    Therefore, there is an unmet need in the art for methods of coating medical devices which do not have the above disadvantages and which would allow for better coating of medical devices with polymers having diazeniumdiolate functional groups. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    The present disclosure addresses the long-felt need for effective methods of coating medical devices with polymers having diazeniumdiolate functional groups. Coating a medical device with such polymers generally requires that they be dissolved in organic solvents. To achieve good coverage and an even coating, solubility in organic solvents is necessary. This is true for a variety of coating methods including spraying or dipping. However, diazeniumdiolate polymers generally have poor solubility in organic solvents. The present methods provide steps for achieving good coverage on medical devices with polymers having diazeniumdiolate functional groups. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of making a dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device comprising the steps of providing a medical device, coating the medical device with a secondary amine functionalized polymer, drying the secondary amine functionalized polymer coated medical device and exposing the dried secondary amine functionalized polymer coated medical device to nitric oxide gas under pressure to form the dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device. 
         [0018]    In another embodiment of the present method of making a dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device, the secondary amine functionalized polymer is a polymer represented by Formula I: 
         [0000]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0019]    wherein R 1  is selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 18  alkyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-ethoxyethyl, glycidyl, and poly(ethylene glycol); 
         [0020]    R 2  is C 1 -C 18  alkyl or C 1 -C 18  multiple amine; and
       wherein a and b are each independently an integer between 1 and 25,000.       
 
         [0022]    In another embodiment of the present method of making a dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device, the pressure is between about 0.1 atmospheres and about 35 atmospheres. 
         [0023]    In another embodiment of the present method of making a dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device, the medical device is a metallic medical device. In another embodiment of the present method of making a dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device, the metallic medical device comprises stainless steel, nitinol, tantalum, a nonmagnetic nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum [MP35N] alloy, platinum, titanium, and/or a combination thereof. 
         [0024]    In another embodiment, the present method of making a dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device further comprises coating the medical device with at least one bioactive agent. In another embodiment of the present method of making a dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device, the bioactive agent is selected from the group consisting of an antisense agent, an antineoplastic agent, an antiproliferative agent, an antithrombogenic agent, an anticoagulant, an antiplatelet agent, an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory agent, a steroid, a gene therapy agent, a therapeutic substance, an organic drug, a pharmaceutical compound, a recombinant DNA product, a recombinant RNA product, a collagen, a collagenic derivative, a protein, a protein analog, a saccharide, a saccharide derivative, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment of the present method of making a dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device, the bioactive agent is zotarolimus. 
         [0025]    In another embodiment the present method of making a dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device, the medical device is selected from the group consisting of a vascular stent, stent graft, uretheral stent, biliary stent, catheter, suture, ocular device, heart valve, shunt, pacemaker, bone screw, bone anchor, protective plate and prosthetic device. In another embodiment of the present method of making a dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device, the medical device is a vascular stent. 
         [0026]    The present disclosure also relates to methods of making a cap-coated dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device. In one embodiment, a method of making a cap-coated dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device comprises the steps of providing a medical device, coating the medical device with a secondary amine functionalized polymer, drying the secondary amine functionalized polymer coated medical device, coating the dried secondary amine functionalized polymer coated medical device with a cap-coat polymer; drying the cap-coat polymer coated medical device, and exposing the dried cap-coat polymer coated medical device to nitric oxide gas under pressure to form a cap-coated dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device. 
         [0027]    In another embodiment of the present method of making a cap-coated dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device, the cap-coat polymer is selected from the group consisting of methacrylate polymer, acrylate polymer, block copolymer of styrene and isobutylene, and fluorinated polymer. 
         [0028]    In another embodiment of the present method of making a cap-coated dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device, the secondary amine functionalized polymer is a polymer represented by Formula I: 
         [0000]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0029]    wherein R 1  is selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 18  alkyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-ethoxyethyl, glycidyl, and poly(ethylene glycol); 
         [0030]    R 2  is C 1 -C 18  alkyl or C 1 -C 18  multiple amine; and 
         [0031]    wherein a and b are each independently an integer between 1 and 25,000. 
         [0032]    In another embodiment of the present method of making a cap-coated dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device, the pressure is between about 0.1 atmospheres and about 35 atmospheres. 
         [0033]    In another embodiment of the present method of making a cap-coated dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device, the medical device is a metallic medical device. In another embodiment of the present method of making a cap-coated dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device, the metallic medical device comprises stainless steel, nitinol, tantalum, a nonmagnetic nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum [MP35N] alloy, platinum, titanium, and a combination thereof. 
         [0034]    In another embodiment of the present method of making a cap-coated dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device further comprises coating the medical device with at least one bioactive agent. In another embodiment of the present method of making a cap-coated dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device, the bioactive agent is selected from the group consisting of an antisense agent, an antineoplastic agent, an antiproliferative agent, an antithrombogenic agent, an anticoagulant, an antiplatelet agent, an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory agent, a steroid, a gene therapy agent, a therapeutic substance, an organic drug, a pharmaceutical compound, a recombinant DNA product, a recombinant RNA product, a collagen, a collagenic derivative, a protein, a protein analog, a saccharide, a saccharide derivative, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment of the present method of making a cap-coated dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device, the bioactive agent is rapamycin or its derivatives. 
         [0035]    In another embodiment of the present method of making a cap-coated dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device, the medical device is selected from the group consisting of a vascular stent, stent graft, urethral stent, biliary stent, catheter, suture, ocular device, heart valve, shunt, pacemaker, bone screw, bone anchor, protective plate and prosthetic device. In another embodiment of the present method of making a cap-coated dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device, the medical device is a vascular stent. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0036]    In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of making a dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device comprising the steps of providing a medical device, coating the medical device with a secondary amine functionalized polymer, drying the secondary amine functionalized polymer coated medical device and exposing the dried secondary amine functionalized polymer coated medical device to nitric oxide gas under pressure to form the dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device. 
         [0037]    The coating steps as disclosed herein are made to medical device surfaces according to application in any manner known to those of ordinary skill in the art. A medical device surface to be coated in accordance with the present disclosure may be, for example, primed or bare. Coating application methods compatible with the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, spraying, dipping, brushing, and vacuum-deposition. 
         [0038]    Also, the provided medical device can be in one embodiment a metallic medical device. When it is metallic, the medical device may include one or more of the following materials: stainless steel, nitinol, tantalum, a nonmagnetic nickel-cobalt-chromium-molybdenum [MP35N] alloy, platinum, titanium. Or it could be a combination thereof. 
         [0039]    Secondary amine functionalized polymers are used to coat medical devices in accordance with the scope and teaching of the present disclosure. They have diazeniumdiolate functional groups capable diazeniumdiolation. In one embodiment, the secondary polymer amine functionalized polymer is a polymer represented by Formula I: 
         [0000]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0040]    wherein R 1  is selected from the group consisting of C 1 -C 18  alkyl, 2-hydroxyethyl, 2-ethoxyethyl, glycidyl, and poly(ethylene glycol); 
         [0041]    R 2  is C 1 -C 18  alkyl or C 1 -C 18  multiple amine; and 
         [0042]    wherein a and b are each independently an integer between 1 and 25,000. 
         [0043]    “Multiple amine” as used herein is formed by ring-opening of epoxide group as shown below with the following compounds: N-methylethylenediamine, N-methylpropylylenediamine, N-methylbutylenediamine, N-ethylethylenediamine, N-ethylpropylylenediamine, N-ethylbutylenediamine, N-benzylethylenediamine, N-benzylpropylylenediamine, N-benzylbutylenediamine, N-propylethylenediamine, N-propylpropylylenediamine, and N-propylbutylenediamine, ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetramine, tetraethylenepentamine and pentaethylenehexamine. 
         [0000]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0044]    Physical properties of the dry diazeniumdioated polymers according to the present disclosure can be fine tuned so that the polymers can optimally perform for their intended use. Properties that can be fine tuned, without limitation, include Tg, molecular weight (both M n  and M w ), polydispersity index (PDI, the quotient of M w /M n ), degree of elasticity and degree of amphiphlicity. In one embodiment of the present invention, the Tg of the polymers range from about −10.degrees Celsius. to about 85 degrees Celsius. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the PDI of the polymers range from about 1.35 to about 4. In another embodiment of the present invention, the Tg of the polymers ranges form about 0 degrees Celsius to about 40 degrees Celsius. In still another embodiment of the present invention, the PDI of the polymers range from about 1.5 to about 2. 
         [0045]    There are many theories that attempt to explain, or contribute to our understanding of how polymers adhere to surfaces. The most important forces include electrostatic and hydrogen bonding. However, other factors including wettability, absorption and resiliency also determine how well a polymer will adhere to different surfaces. Therefore, polymer base coats, or primers are often used and may be used in order to create a more uniform coating surface in accordance with the scope and teachings of the present disclosure. 
         [0046]    As described herein, more soluble secondary amine functionalized polymer can be coated on a medical device first and then dried. Then diazeniumdiolation is accomplished by the coated device with nitric oxide gas under pressure. Further, secondary amine functionalized polymer coating layer may be cap-coated with a non-NO releasing layer and diazeniumdiolated under pressured nitric oxide conditions. 
         [0047]    A cap coat as used herein refers to the outermost coating layer applied over another coating. The cap coat may optionally serve as a diffusion barrier to control NO release. In one embodiment, the cap coat may merely be a biocompatible polymer applied to the surface of the medical device such as a vascular stent, to protect it and have no effect on NO release rates. 
         [0048]    Therefore, the present disclosure also relates to methods of making a cap-coated dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device. In one embodiment, a method of making a cap-coated dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device, comprises the steps of providing a medical device, coating the medical device with a secondary amine functionalized polymer, drying the secondary amine functionalized polymer coated medical device, coating the dried secondary amine functionalized polymer coated medical device with a cap-coat polymer; drying the cap-coat polymer coated medical device, and exposing the dried cap-coat polymer coated medical device to nitric oxide gas under pressure to form a cap-coated dry diazeniumdiolated polymer coated medical device. 
         [0049]    In the embodiments of the present disclosure wherein one or more cap coat polymers are applied, there may or may not be a drying step after the cap coat application. The diazeniumdiolation step occurs, in one embodiment, after the cap coat has been applied. NO may diffuse through the cap coat and thus allow for dry diazeniumdiolation. Any cap coat polymer which allows for NO diffusion may be used. Examples of such polymer include, but are not limited to, methacrylate polymer, acrylate polymer, block copolymer of styrene and isobutylene, and fluorinated polymer. 
         [0050]    Dry diazeniumdiolation step according to the present disclosure is the step where a medical device containing a secondary amine functionalized polymer coat is exposed to NO gas under pressure. One of ordinary skill in the art would understand the level of pressure necessary to permit dry diazeniumdiolation. In one embodiment, this pressure is between about 0.1 atmospheres and about 35 atmospheres. 
         [0051]    Further in accordance with the scope and teachings of the present disclosure, the coating layers such as the diazeniumdiolated polymer coat or the cap coat, may be uniform or non-uniform. Non-uniform layers may be in the shape of, but not limited to, stripes or dots. 
         [0052]    The dry diazeniumdiolated polymers according to the present disclosure may also be useful for the delivery and controlled or non-controlled release of drugs or bioactive agents. As used herein “controlled release” refers to the release of a bioactive compound from a medical device surface at a predetermined rate. Controlled release implies that the bioactive compound does not come off the medical device surface sporadically in an unpredictable fashion and does not “burst” off of the device upon contact with a biological environment (also referred to herein a first order kinetics) unless specifically intended to do so. However, the term “controlled release” as used herein does not preclude a “burst phenomenon” associated with deployment. In some embodiments of the present invention an initial burst of drug may be desirable followed by a more gradual release thereafter. The release rate may be steady state (commonly referred to as “timed release” or zero order kinetics), that is the drug is released in even amounts over a predetermined time (with or without an initial burst phase) or may be a gradient release. A gradient release implies that the concentration of drug released from the device surface changes over time. Bioactive agents suitable for release include, but are not limited to, zotarolimus, rapamycin or its derivatives, an antisense agent, an antineoplastic agent, an antiproliferative agent, an antithrombogenic agent, an anticoagulant, an antiplatelet agent, an antibiotic, an anti-inflammatory agent, a steroid, a gene therapy agent, a therapeutic substance, an organic drug, a pharmaceutical compound, a recombinant DNA product, a recombinant RNA product, a collagen, a collagenic derivative, a protein, a protein analog, a saccharide, a saccharide derivative, and combinations thereof. 
         [0053]    In another embodiment, bioactive agents which may be released controllably or non-controllably released include, but are not limited to macrolide antibiotics including FKBP-12 binding agents. Exemplary bioactive agents of this class include sirolimus (rapamycin), tacrolimus (FK506), everolimus (certican or RAD-001), temsirolimus (CCl-779 or amorphous rapamycin 42-ester with 3-hydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-2-methylpropionic acid as disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/930,487) and zotarolimus (ABT-578; see U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,015,815 and 6,329,386). Additionally, and other rapamycin hydroxyesters as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,362,718 may be used in combination with the polymers of the present invention. The entire contents of all of preceding patents and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference for all they teach related to FKBP-12 binding compounds and the derivatives. 
         [0054]    There are four specific attributes that stent coating polymers made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention should preferably but do not have to possess. The polymer compositions of the present invention should preferably be biocompatible, degrade at a predetermined rate, be elastic/ductile and possess a predetermined drug release profile. Other requirements include processing compatibility such as inert to sterilization methods including, but not limited to, ethylene oxide sterilization. 
         [0055]    Release rate is not entirely a function of drug-polymer compatibility. Coating configurations, polymer swellability, and coating thickness also play roles. Moreover, the present invention provides yet another means for controlling drug elution rates. By tuning the biodegradable polymers of the present invention to degrade at a specific rate, drug elution can be precisely controlled and ceases entirely with the complete degradation of the polymer. 
         [0056]    When the medical device of the present invention is used in the vasculature, the coating dimensions are generally measured in micrometers (μm). Coatings consistent with the teaching of the present invention may be a thin as 1 μm or a thick as 1000 μm. There are at least two distinct coating configurations within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment of the present invention the drug-containing coating is applied directly to the device surface or onto a polymer primer. Depending on the solubility rate and profile desired, the drug is either entirely soluble within the polymer matrix, or evenly dispersed throughout. The drug concentration present in the polymer matrix ranges from 0.1% by weight to 80% by weight. In either event, it is most desirable to have as homogenous of a coating composition as possible. This particular configuration is commonly referred to as a drug-polymer matrix. 
         [0057]    Finally, returning to coating thickness, while thickness is generally a minor factor in determining overall drug-release rates and profile, it is nevertheless an additional factor that can be used to tune the coatings. Basically, if all other physical and chemical factors remain unchanged, the rate at which a given drug diffuses through a given coating is directly proportional to the coating thickness. That is, increasing the coating thickness increases the elution rate and visa versa. 
         [0058]    We now turn to another factor that contributes to the compatibilized, biodegradable controlled-release coatings of the present invention. As mentioned earlier, coating intended for medical devices deployed in a hemodynamic environment must possess excellent adhesive properties. That is, the coating must be stably linked to the medical device surface. All of these materials, and others, may be used with the controlled-release coatings made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Furthermore, the biodegradable polymers of the present invention can be used to fabricate an entire medical device such that the bioactive agent is dispersed throughout the polymer and released as the device degrades. This feature of the present invention is particularly useful when the device is implanted into remote regions of the body where subsequent removal, should it be required, is either not possible or involves complex, high risk surgical procedures 
         [0059]    Vascular stents present a particularly unique challenge for the medical device coating scientist. Vascular stents (hereinafter referred to as “stents”) must be flexible, expandable, biocompatible and physically stable. Stents are used to relieve the symptoms associated with coronary artery disease caused by occlusion in one or more coronary artery. Occluded coronary arteries result in diminished blood flow to heart muscles causing ischemia induced angina and in severe cases myocardial infarcts and death. Stents are generally deployed using catheters having the stent attached to an inflatable balloon at the catheter&#39;s distal end. The catheter is inserted into an artery and guided to the deployment site. In many cases the catheter is inserted into the femoral artery or of the leg or carotid artery and the stent is deployed deep within the coronary vasculature at an occlusion site. 
         [0060]    Vulnerable plaque stabilization is another application for coated drug-eluting vascular stents. Vulnerable plaque is composed of a thin fibrous cap covering a liquid-like core composed of an atheromatous gruel. The exact composition of mature atherosclerotic plaques varies considerably and the factors that affect an atherosclerotic plaque&#39;s make-up are poorly understood. However, the fibrous cap associated with many atherosclerotic plaques is formed from a connective tissue matrix of smooth muscle cells, types I and III collagen and a single layer of endothelial cells. The atheromatous gruel is composed of blood-borne lipoproteins trapped in the sub-endothelial extracellular space and the breakdown of tissue macrophages filled with low density lipids (LDL) scavenged from the circulating blood. (G. Pasterkamp and E. Falk. 2000. Atherosclerotic Plaque Rupture: An Overview. J. Clin. Basic Cardiol. 3:81-86). The ratio of fibrous cap material to atheromatous gruel determines plaque stability and type. When atherosclerotic plaque is prone to rupture due to instability it is referred to as “vulnerable” plaque. Upon rupture the atheromatous gruel is released into the blood stream and induces a massive thrombogenic response leading to sudden coronary death. Recently, it has been postulated that vulnerable plaque can be stabilized by stenting the plaque. Moreover, vascular stents having a drug-releasing coating composed of matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor dispersed in, or coated with (or both) a polymer may further stabilize the plaque and eventually lead to complete healing. 
         [0061]    Treatment of aneurysms is another application for drug-eluting stents. An aneurysm is a bulging or ballooning of a blood vessel usually caused by atherosclerosis. Aneurysms occur most often in the abdominal portion of the aorta. At least 15,000 Americans die each year from ruptured abdominal aneurysms. Back and abdominal pain, both symptoms of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, often do not appear until the aneurysm is about to rupture, a condition that is usually fatal. Stent grafting has recently emerged as an alternative to the standard invasive surgery. A vascular graft containing a stent (stent graft) is placed within the artery at the site of the aneurysm and acts as a barrier between the blood and the weakened wall of the artery, thereby decreasing the pressure on artery. The less invasive approach of stent-grafting aneurysms decreases the morbidity seen with conventional aneurysm repair. Additionally, patients whose multiple medical comorbidities place them at an excessively high risk for conventional aneurysm repair are candidates for stent-grafting. Stent-grafting has also emerged as a new treatment for a related condition, acute blunt aortic injury, where trauma causes damage to the artery. 
         [0062]    Once positioned at the treatment site the stent or graft is deployed. Generally, stents are deployed using balloon catheters. The balloon expands the stent gently compressing it against the arterial lumen clearing the vascular occlusion or stabilizing the aneurysm. The catheter is then removed and the stent remains in place permanently. Most patients return to a normal life following a suitable recovery period and have no reoccurrence of coronary artery disease associated with the stented occlusion. However, in some cases the arterial wall&#39;s intima is damaged either by the disease process itself or as the result of stent deployment. This injury initiates a complex biological response culminating is vascular smooth muscle cell hyperproliferation and occlusion, or restenosis at the stent site. 
         [0063]    Recently significant efforts have been devoted to preventing restenosis. Several techniques including brachytherapy, excimer laser, and pharmacological techniques have been developed. The least invasive and most promising treatment modality is the pharmacological approach. A preferred pharmacological approach involves the site-specific delivery of cytostatic or cytotoxic drugs directly to the stent deployment area. Site-specific delivery is preferred over systemic delivery for several reasons. First, many cytostatic and cytotoxic drugs are highly toxic and cannot be administered systemically at concentrations needed to prevent restenosis. Moreover, the systemic administration of drugs can have unintended side effects at body locations remote from the treatment site. Additionally, many drugs are either not sufficiently soluble, or too quickly cleared from the blood stream to effectively prevent restenosis. Therefore, administration of anti-restenotic compounds directly to the treatment area is preferred. 
         [0064]    Several techniques and corresponding devices have been developed to deploy anti-restenotic compounds including weeping balloon catheters and injection catheters. Weeping balloon catheters are used to slowly apply an anti-restenotic composition under pressure through fine pores in an inflatable segment at or near the catheter&#39;s distal end. The inflatable segment can be the same used to deploy the stent or a separate segment. Injection catheters administer the anti-restenotic composition by either emitting a pressurized fluid jet, or by directly piercing the artery wall with one or more needle-like appendage(s). Recently, needle catheters have been developed to inject drugs into an artery&#39;s adventitia. However, administration of anti-restenotic compositions using weeping catheters and injection catheters to prevent restenosis remains experimental and largely unsuccessful. Direct anti-restenotic composition administration has several disadvantages. When anti-restenotic compositions are administered directly to the arterial lumen using a weeping catheter, the blood flow quickly flushes the anti-restenotic composition downstream and away from the treatment site. Anti-restenotic compositions injected into the lumen wall or adventitia may rapidly diffuse into the surrounding tissue. Consequently, the anti-restenotic composition may not be present at the treatment site in sufficient concentrations to prevent restenosis. As a result of these and other disadvantages associated with catheter-based local drug delivery, investigators continue to seek improved methods for the localized delivery of anti-restenotic compositions. 
         [0065]    The most successful method for localized anti-restenotic composition delivery developed to date is the drug-eluting stent. Many drug-eluting stent embodiments have been developed and tested. However, significant advances are still necessary in order to provide safe and highly effective drug delivery stents. One of the major challenges associated with stent-based anti-restenotic composition delivery is controlling the drug delivery rate. Generally speaking, drug delivery rates have two primary kinetic profiles. Drugs that reach the blood stream or tissue immediately after administration follow first-order kinetics. First-order drug release kinetics provide an immediate surge in blood or local tissue drug levels (peak levels) followed by a gradual decline (trough levels). In most cases, therapeutic levels are only maintained for a few hours. Drugs released slowly over a sustained time where blood or tissue concentrations remains steady follow zero-order kinetics. Depending on the method of drug delivery and tissue/blood clearance rates, zero-order kinetics result in sustained therapeutic levels for prolonged periods. Drug-release profiles can be modified to meet specific applications. Generally, most controlled release compositions are designed to provide near zero-order kinetics. However, there may be applications where an initial burst, or loading dose, of drug is desired followed by a more gradual sustained drug release (near zero-order kinetics). Nitric Oxide release from a medical device made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention is generally first order. 
         [0066]    The term “medical device” as used herein refers to any device, product, equipment or material having surfaces that contact tissue, blood, or other bodily fluids in the course of their use or operation, which fluids are found in or are subsequently used in patients or animals. Medical devices include, for example, extracorporeal devices for use in surgery, such as blood oxygenators, blood pumps, blood storage bags, blood collection tubes, blood filters including filtration media, tubing used to carry blood and the like which contact blood which is then returned to the patient or animal. Medical devices also include endoprostheses implanted in a human or animal body, such as stents (such as vascular stents), pacemaker, pacemaker leads, heart valves, pulse generator, cardiac defibrillator, cardioverter defibrillator, spinal stimulator, brain and nerve stimulator, introducer, chemical sensor, and the like, that are implanted in blood vessels or the heart. Medical devices also include devices for temporary intravascular use such as catheters, guide wires, amniocentesis and biopsy needles, cannulae, drainage tubes, shunts, sensors, transducers, probes and the like which are placed into the blood vessels, the heart, organs or tissues for purposes of monitoring, repair or treatment. Medical devices also include prostheses such as hips or knees as well as artificial hearts. Medical devices also include implants, specula, irrigators, nozzles, calipers, forceps, retractors, stent grafts, urethral stents, biliary stents, catheters, sutures, ocular devices, heart valves, shunts, pacemakers, bone screws, bone anchors, protective place, prosthetic devices, vascular grafts, personal hygiene items, absorbable and nonabsorbable sutures, wound dressings, and the like. A selected medical device may be capable of being dry diazeniumdiolated according to the scope and teachings of the present disclosure. 
       EXAMPLES 
     Example 1 
     Synthesis of glycidyl methacrylate/hexyl methacrylate copolymer 
       [0067]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0068]    Glycidyl methacrylate (9.02 g), n-hexyl methacrylate (21.03 g), 1,4-dioxane (59.98 g) and AIBN (240 mg) were mixed in a 120 mL bottle, which was sealed and purged with nitrogen for 30 minutes. The bottle was heated at 60° C. for 3 hours with stirring in an oil bath. The polymer was purified by repeated precipitation (3×) in methanol from dichloromethane solution. After drying in a vacuum oven at 45° C. overnight, a copolymer of n-hexyl methacrylate (56 mol %) and glycidyl methacrylate (44 mol %) was obtained according to  1 H NMR. The polymer has a weight average molecular weight of 232240 and PDI of 2.02 according to GPC (THF, 35 C and polystyrene standard). The glass transition temperature of the polymer is 28.8° C. as measured with DSC at a heating rate of 20° C./min on the second heat. 
       Example 2 
     Converting the Epoxide Groups to Multiple Amine Groups in the Side Chains 
       [0069]    
       
                 
         
             
             
         
       
     
         [0070]    2.0 g of precursor polymer from example 3 was dissolved in 8 mL THF. Separately another solution was prepared by mixing 23.9 mL of diethylenetriamine with 12 mL of THF. The polymer solution was added to the diethylenetriamine solution dropwise under agitation. The mixture was heated at 50 C in an oil bath for three days. The resulting polymer was purified by precipitation into deionized water from THF solution. The  1 H NMR spectrum in d 4 -methanol indicated the disappearance of the epoxide functional groups and the appearance of new peaks at around 2.7 ppm corresponding to the NCH 2  groups. 
       Example 3 
       [0071]    200 mg of secondary amine functionalized polymer from example 2 was dissolved in 20 mL methanol. The about 400 microgram of polymer was spay coated onto 3×18 mm Medtronic Driver™ stent from the solution. After drying in an oven overnight, the stent was cap spray coated with about 200 microgram of copolymer of hexyl methacrylate and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (30 mol %). The stent was dry diazeniumdiolated in a reaction purged with argon and pressured with nitric oxide gas at 180 psi at room temperature for four days. The stent was incubated in PBS (pH 7.4) buffer tube and the nitric oxide released was detected with a nitric oxide analyzer (GE Analytical Instrument 280i). The polymer showed initial release rate of 478 pmol/min/mg and released 0.28 micromol/mg of nitric oxide in 94 hours. 
         [0072]    Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the present invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. 
         [0073]    The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar referents used in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention. 
         [0074]    Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. It is anticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims. 
         [0075]    Certain embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Of course, variations on these described embodiments will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. 
         [0076]    Furthermore, numerous references have been made to patents and printed publications throughout this specification. Each of the above-cited references and printed publications are individually incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
         [0077]    In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Other modifications that may be employed are within the scope of the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation, alternative configurations of the present invention may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited to that precisely as shown and described.