Abstract
Polymeric devices for the sustained release of macromolecules have been in use since 1976 (1). Although the primary application thus far has been for bioassays (2, 3), there is great promise for the use of these devices for pharmaceutical purposes (4). In particular, many polypeptides, which are now available due to genetic engineering, are difficult to administer either orally (due to attack by the digestive system), or intravenously (due to short half-lives in the circulation) (5). Moreover, many of these drugs must be administered on a continuous basis in order to be effective. It is our belief that polymeric devices provide one solution to the problem of delivery of such unstable drugs.
