The present invention relates generally to medical devices, preferably a
stent, having a
drug eluting surface coated or covered with a
coating of particles comprising at least an outer layer, an inner layer, and a core comprising a therapeutic agent. Specifically, the invention relates to medical devices having a
hydrophilic coating comprising particles with a hydrophilic outer layer, a hydrophobic inner layer, and a core comprising a hydrophobic therapeutic agent, as well as medical devices having a hydrophobic
coating comprising particles with a hydrophobic outer layer, a hydrophilic inner layer, and a core comprising a hydrophilic therapeutic agent. The
coating, outer layer, and inner layer are preferably biodegradable and capable of providing sustained release of the therapeutic agent over a time period. The invention also relates to methods of making and methods of using the coated or covered
medical device.