Abstract: The invention relates to delivery devices and methods for providing more uniform delivery of agents such as drugs. In some embodiments, a delivery device is provided made of one or more implantable materials having predetermined agent-permeable and agent-impermeable regions and a reservoir containing one or more active agents, either alone or in an acceptable composition, as well as methods of administering one or more agents using such a device. Also provided are methods of equilibrating such devices, so that a steady state of agent delivery can be achieved at or soon after introduction of the device to its intended location of use. Methods of use of such devices to deliver an agent are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to porous cross-linked polymeric particles having cavities joined by interconnecting pores wherein all or nearly all of the cavities at the interior of each particle communicate with the surface of the particle. The present invention also relates to a process for producing a porous, cross-linked large polymeric particle as well as the product of this process. This process involves combining a continuous phase with an aqueous discontinuous phase to form an emulsion, then placing this emulsion into a mold to produce large particles having shapes derived from a mold, e.g., ellipsoids, spheroids, cylinders, prisms, etc. Also included in the invention are modifications of the particles as well as methods for using the particles in a variety of applications. All described methods, compositions, and articles of manufacture are within the scope of the invention.