Medical devices having self-forming rate-controlling barrier for drug release

摘要

Therapeutic-agent-releasing medical devices are provided herein, which contain a rate controlling release region that includes a biodisintegrable agent and a biostable low glass transition temperature polymer. Upon contact (e.g., implantation or insertion) of the medical device with a subject, at least the surface of the release region becomes depleted of the biodisintegrable agent, and the low glass transition temperature polymer migrates to occupy at least a portion of the volume that is created by the departure of the biodisintegrable agent, thereby forming a barrier layer for therapeutic agent remaining within the device.