Stent and method for reducing tissue damage after ischemic injury with thymosin B4

摘要

Methods and devices are provided for the delivery of thymosin ²4 or an isoform thereof which reduces myocardial tissue damage due to ischemia. The thymosin ²4 or isoform is delivered to the myocardial tissue over an administration period sufficient to achieve reduction in ischemic or reperfusion injury of the myocardial tissue. In addition to the treatment of ischemic injury, the thymosin ²4, its analogues or derivatives can also be delivered from a stent to treat heart muscle loss from other causes including myocarditis, chronic heart failure, or prior AMI.