Abstract: A sustained release drug formulation including: a drug; a biodegradable polymer which is insoluble in water; and an oil vehicle in which both the drug and the polymer are dissolved. The oil vehicle contains 10-100% by volume a pharmaceutically acceptable oil and 0-90% by volume a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid carrier for the drug or the polymer.

Abstract: A method of making microballs is disclosed. An active ingredient, a biocompatible polymer and a supporting phase, such as silicone oil, are stirred at a temperature above the Tg of the polymer and below the temperature at which any of the ingredients vaporizes or degrades. Stirring is continued until microballs of the desired diameter are formed, whereafter the mixture is cooled and the microballs are separated from the supporting phase. The microballs are substantially spherical, substantially smooth on their external surface and have substantially no active ingredient on their external surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a preparation process of particles designed to release an effective amount of active ingredient over a predetermined period of time, said particles comprising one ore more active ingredients in admixture with a bioresorbable and/or biodegradable polymer or copolymer, and the particles thus obtained in a substantially spheroidal form and substantially deprived of active ingredient on the external covering.