The present invention is an apparatus and a method for delivery of
mitomycin through an eluting biocompatible implantable medical device. A
biocompatible drug release matrix comprises a biocompatible drug release
matrix and a drug incorporated into the biocompatible drug release
matrix. The drug has antibiotic and anti-proliferative properties and is
an analogue related to the quinone-containing alkylating agents of a
mitomycin family. The drug is initially released from the biocompatible
drug release matrix at a faster rate followed by a release at a slower
rate. The drug release rate maintains tissue level concentrations of the
drug for at least two weeks after implantation of the medical device. The
present invention provides a coating for a vascular prosthesis that
elutes the drug at a controlled rate to inhibit proliferation of smooth
muscle cells causing restenosis.