Biodegradable, implantable drug delivery device, and process for preparing and using the same

摘要

An implantable drug delivery device comprising a matrix formed of a poly- alpha -amino acid component having one or more drugs and/or diagnostic agents physically contained therein. The drug or diagnostic agent is released through one or both of two mechanisms: diffusion and biodegration which results from the action of enzymes, present in the host in which the implant is placed, on the polymeric matrix material. The implant device may be designed to release the drug or drugs at predetermined rates and in predetermined sequence. One preferred configuration for the implant device is a rod which may be inserted with a trocar.