System and method for loading a beneficial agent into a medical device

A method for loading a medical device with a beneficial agent, the method comprising:

• providing a medical device having tubular-shaped body with an exterior surface, an interior surface and a first interior space defined by the interior surface, and a first plurality of holes being defined on the exterior surface and intersecting the exterior surface;
• mounting the medical device on a tubular-shaped fixture such that the tubular-shaped fixture extends into the first interior space of the medical device, the tubular-shaped fixture having an outer surface, an inner surface, a thickness defined between the outer and inner surfaces, and a second interior space defined by the inner surface of the tubular-shaped fixture, a second plurality of through-holes being defined in the thickness of the tubular-shaped fixture;
• aligning the second plurality of holes with the first plurality of holes;
• delivering a beneficial agent into the second interior space;
• allowing the beneficial agent to fill the first plurality of holes in a paste form through the second plurality of holes, wherein the paste has a viscosity of at least 300 centipoise at 70° F.;
• and
• forming a drug delivery device with substantially no beneficial agent on the exterior surface of the medical device.