A stent having a coating comprising either L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) or a derivative of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA), the foregoing obtained by either ionic or covalent bonding of a pharmaceutical active ingredient to either the amino or the acid function of L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA).