Becton, Dickinson and Company
Arterial Drug Eluting Device to Treat Diabetes With Targeted Delivery of Medication

Abstract:

Disclosed are methods for treating diabetes comprising methods and devices for reducing the levels of glucagon found in diabetic patients. Disclosed is a stent comprising a biocompatible polymer containing at least one glucagon suppressing drug, the stent is inserted into an artery or vein supplying the pancreas and as the drug is eluted it reduces the level of glucagon. In another embodiment, the method of treating diabetes comprises providing a pump having a catheter and a reservoir containing at least one glucagon suppressing drug, inserting the catheter into an artery supplying blood to the pancreas, and infusing the glucagon suppressing drug into the arterial supply.