An implantable system includes cells that produce and release a
therapeutic agent, or agents, to a host in need. The system can include
cells capable of eluting therapeutic agents in response to changing
physiological conditions within a host. The system may comprise naked
cells, encapsulated cells, or a mixture of non-encapsulating and
encapsulated cells. The system may also comprise cells, and/or cell
groups, of different origins. The implantable device may be placed
intra-vascular, within bone marrow, within soft tissue, in the peritoneal
cavity, or intra-hepatic, etc. The system can be comprised of a stent, or
like devices. Such stents and like devices may optionally include
port(s), catheter(s), and containment envelope systems for holding the
above cells.