Polymeric compositions and related methods of use

1. A dihydroxyphenyl (DHPD) adhesive compound of the formula

wherein n has a value of 1, 2, or 3;

and wherein P is:

(a) substantially a poly(alkyleneoxide) having the structure:

—(CHR 3 CHR 4 O) m -A 4 , wherein R 3 and R 4 are separately and independently H or CH 3 ; m has a value in the range of between 1 and about 250; and A 4 is —NH 2 , —COOH, —OH, —OCH 3 , —SH, —H, or a protecting group; or

(b)

wherein R 5 is H, or a C 1-6 lower alkyl.

2. A DHPD as in claim 1 wherein the poly(alkylene oxide) is a block copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide.

3. A coated medical device comprising

a device, and

a coating, the coating comprising the composition of claim 1 .

4. The coated medical device of claim 3 , wherein the device is selected from the group consisting of stents and pacemakers.

5. The coated medical device of claim 3 , wherein the coating is biodegradable.

6. A dihydroxyphenyl (DHPD) adhesive compound of the formula:

wherein A 1 is a protecting group; and

wherein A 2 is substantially a poly(alkylene oxide) having the structure:

(a) —NHCH 2 (CHR 3 CHR 4 O) m -A 4 , wherein R 3 and R 4 are separately and independently —H or —CH 3 ; m has a value in the range of between 1 and about 250; and A 4 is —NH 2 , —COOH, —OH, —OCH 3 , —SH, —H, a protecting group, or —CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 NH—Y, wherein Y is selected from the group consisting of —H, a protecting group, and

wherein R 5 is H, or a C 1-6 lower alkyl;

or

(b) —NHCH 2 CH 2 (OCHR 3 CHR 4 ) m -A 4 , wherein R 3 and R 4 are separately and independently —H or —CH 3 —; m has a value in the range of between 1 and about 250; and A 4 is —NH 2 , —COOH, —OH, —OCH 3 , —SH, —H, or a protecting group.

7. The adhesive compound of claim 1 , wherein P is substantially the poly(alkylene oxide) having the structure: —(CHR 3 CHR 4 ) m -A 4 , wherein R 3 and R 4 are separately and independently H or CH 3 ; m has a value in the range of between 1 and about 250; and A 4 is —NH 2 , —COOH, —OH, —OCH 3 , —SH, —H, or a protecting group.

8. The adhesive compound of claim 1 , wherein P is

wherein R 5 is H or a C 1-6 lower alkyl.

9. The adhesive compound of claim 6 , wherein A 2 is substantially the poly(alkylene oxide) having the structure —NHCH 2 CH 2 (OCHR 3 CHR 4 ) m -A 4 , wherein A 4 is —OCH 3 .

10. The adhesive compound of claim 6 , wherein A 2 is substantially the poly(alkylene oxide) having the structure —NHCH 2 (CHR 3 CHR 4 O) m -A 4 , wherein A 4 is —CH 2 CH 2 CH 2 NH—Y, and wherein Y is