Peptides that selectively bind to antigens exposed in vascular disease or dysfunction have been identified by biopanning a phage library. The ligands are useful when attached to a substrate to be in contact with endothelial surfaces, especially those where drug delivery is utilized, such as following angioplasty, with release from a drug delivery reservoir in a medical device such as a stent, or by administration intravenously in the form of nano or microparticles, although the peptides may also be used with other medical devices or substrates, for targeting or to increase adhesion to endothelial surfaces. The nanoparticle technology can be used to treat injured vasculature, a clinical problem of primary importance. The targeted nanoparticles are also useful in the treatment of other diseases and disorders such as oncologic and regenerative diseases and indications where neoangiogenesis is commonly observed.