The invention describes novel nitrosated and/or nitrosylated rapamycin
compounds, and novel compositions comprising at least one nitrosated
and/or nitrosylated rapamycin compound, and, optionally, at least one
nitric oxide donor compound. The invention also provides novel
compositions comprising at least one rapamycin compound and at least one
nitric oxide donor compound and/or at least one therapeutic agent. The
compounds and compositions of the invention can also be bound to a
matrix. The invention also provides methods for treating and/or
preventing cardiovascular diseases, for the prevention of platelet
aggregation and platelet adhesion caused by the exposure of blood to a
medical device, for treating and/or preventing pathological conditions
resulting from abnormal cell proliferation; transplantation rejections;
autoimmune, inflammatory, proliferative, hyperproliferative or vascular
diseases; for reducing scar tissue or for inhibiting wound contraction,
particularly the prophylactic and/or therapeutic treatment of restenosis
by administering nitrosated and/or nitrosylated rapamycin compounds or
rapamycin compounds in combination with nitric oxide donors that are
capable of releasing nitric oxide or indirectly delivering or
transferring nitric oxide to targeted sites under physiological
conditions.