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The use of biodegradable polymeric materials as drug carriers is a relatively new dimension in polymeric drug delivery systems. A number of biodegradable or bioerodible polymers, such as poly (lactic/glycolic acid) copolymer, poly (alpha-amino acid), polyanhydride, and poly (ortho ester) are currently being investigated for this purpose. These polymers are useful for matrix and reservoir-type delivery devices. In addition, when chemical functional groups are introduced to the biodegradable polymer backbone, such as poly (N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide), the therapeutic agent can be covalently bound directly or via spacer to the backbone polymer. These polymer/drug conjugates represent another new dimension in biodegradable polymeric drug delivery systems. In this paper, major emphasis is placed on clinical applications of biodegradable polymeric delivery systems. In addition, examples of biodegradable polymeric drug delivery systems currently being investigated will be discussed for the purpose of demonstrating the potential importance of this new field.
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