Use of Bcl inhibitors for the prevention of fibroproliferative reclosure of dilated blood vessels and other iatrogenic fibroproliferative disorders

The present invention relates to new use of inhibitors of bcl-2/bcl-Xl family of anti-apoptotic compounds for the treatment of post-angioplasty restenosis and in-stent restenosis. Small molecules of Bcl inhibitors are incorporated into a stent, typically by a fine polymeric coating over the metal, which would be placed during angioplasty of occluded blood vessels, to act on fibroproliferative in-growth. Hollow organs such as urethras, Fallopian tubes and vascular access grafts could be treated in a similar manner to prevent their closure due to fibrosis. Other iatrogenic fibrosis such as adhesions after surgery could also be blocked by this therapy.