Patent ID: 8158106

Claim:
A method for administering a biologically active agent to a subject comprising the steps of: a) providing an implantable medical device comprising a coating on a surface of the device, the coating comprising (i) a matrix of polymeric material, the matrix comprising a hydrophobic polymeric matrix material and photoreactive groups activated to covalently bond to a target chemical structure, and (ii) a plurality of microparticles immobilized in the matrix of polymeric material, wherein the microparticles comprise a biologically active agent, and the microparticles are at least 100 nm in diameter; and b) placing the device in a subject or delivering the device to a subject, wherein the matrix and microparticles are in contact with a fluid-containing environment, wherein the fluid causes release of the biologically active agent from the microparticles, wherein the matrix allows the diffusion of molecules in and out of the matrix, and wherein the biologically active agent is released from the matrix and becomes available to the subject.