Abstract: Bioerodible ortho ester polymers useful for preparing soft form bioerodible pharmaceutical compositions such as ointments, creams, gels and the like are provided. A novel synthetic method for preparing the polymers is provided as well. Synthesis involves a one-step reaction between a monomeric ortho ester and a triol. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention are useful for the controlled release of therapeutic agents, and may be administered for a variety of purposes, such as for the treatment of deep wounds, including burns, and for the treatment of periodontal disease.

Abstract: Biodegradable ortho ester polymers based on mono- and poly-thiols are provided that are useful for making biodegradable sustained release agent dispensers and which contain at least one of the mer units (I), (II), (III) or (IV) ##STR1## wherein X is a quadrivalent organic grouping, A and B are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and lower alkyl, and R is hydrocarbyl or oxyhydrocarbyl of 1 to 14 carbon atoms, if oxyhydrocarbyl, containing 1 to 4 oxy groups, and may be either aliphatic or aryl, unsubstituted or substituted with one or more lower alkyl, amino, nitro or halogen moieties.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymers that are useful for making biodegradable sustained release agent dispensers and which contain acetal, carboxy-acetal, ortho ester and/or carboxy-ortho ester linkages.

Abstract: Polymers are provided that are useful for making biodegradable sustained release agent dispensers and which contain at least one of the following mer units (I) and (II) ##STR1## wherein X is a quadrivalent organic grouping, A and B are hydrogen or lower alkyl, and R is hydrocarbyl or oxyhydrocarbyl of 1 to 14 carbon atoms and, if oxyhydrocarbyl, containing 1 to 4 oxy groups, and may be either aliphatic or aryl, unsubstituted or substituted with one or more lower alkyl, amino, nitro or halogen moieties. Methods of synthesizing the novel polymers are also provided, as biodegradable beneficial agent dispensers prepared using the novel polymers.