Abstract: An article for controlled delivery of an active substance into an aqueous phase has a first layer containing an active substance, and a second layer of a crystalline polymer matrix and a non-ionic surface active agent, the second layer also containing the same or different active substance substantially homogeneously dispersed therein. The article enables release of a drug at a constant plateau level, followed by a pulse of drug after a predetermined time, thus making the composition of the invention especially suitable for use in, e.g., treatment of rheumatoid arthritis or related disorders with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.