A composition for delivery of a therapeutic agent is provided. The
composition comprises: (a) a biocompatible block copolymer comprising one
or more elastomeric blocks and one or more thermoplastic blocks and (b) a
therapeutic agent, wherein the block copolymer is loaded with the
therapeutic agent. The block copolymer is preferably of the formula
X-(AB).sub.n, where A is an elastomeric block, B is a thermoplastic
block, n is a positive whole number and X is a seed molecule. The
elastomeric blocks are preferably polyolefin blocks, and the
thermoplastic blocks are preferably selected from vinyl aromatic blocks
and methacrylate blocks. According to another aspect of the invention, a
medical device is provided, at least a portion of which is insertable or
implantable into the body of a patient. The medical device comprises (a)
the above biocompatible block copolymer and (b) a therapeutic agent,
wherein the block copolymer is loaded with the therapeutic agent.
According to another aspect of the present invention, a method of
treatment is provided in which the above device is implanted or inserted
into a patient, resulting in the release of therapeutic agent in the
patient over an extended period. According to yet another aspect of the
invention, a coated medical device is provided which comprises: (a) an
intravascular or intervascular medical device and (b) a coating over at
least a portion of the intravascular or intervascular a medical device,
wherein the coating comprises the above biocompatible block copolymer.