Methods for manufacturing an endovascular stent having channel(s) formed therein for containing a therapeutic material. A molding and sintering process forms a thin-walled tubular component having a tubular core structure encapsulated therein. Portions of the thin-walled tubular component are removed to form at least a portion of the endovascular stent in a pattern corresponding to that of the tubular core structure such that the tubular core structure or corresponding channel(s) left thereby are captured within a wall of the formed stent. The tubular core structure is removed to leave a corresponding channel(s) in its stead. A plurality of holes is formed in the stent wall for filling the stent channel(s) with the therapeutic material and for eluting the therapeutic material therefrom.