Abstract: The invention provides new aliphatic diester-di-acid-containing PEA polymer compositions with significant improvement in hydrolytic degradation rates as compared to aliphatic di-acid-containing PEA polymers. The di-acids used in the invention PEA compositions include non-toxic fatty aliphatic homologs. These molecules inherently contain two-ester groups, which easily can be cleaved by biotic (enzymatic) and abiotic hydrolysis. Additional di-acid-type compounds useful for active polycondensation are ?,?-alkylene dicarboxylates composed of short aliphatic non toxic diols and di-acids. In addition, the invention PEA polymer compositions optionally can include a second monomer, such as a C-protected L-lysine-based monomer, to introduce additional chain flexibility into the polymer. The invention PEA polymer compositions are useful for delivery of bioactive agents when administered internally.

Abstract: The present invention provides biodegrable, biocompatible aromatic di-acid-containing poly(ester amide) (PEA) polymers with thermo-mechanical properties that can be readily tailored by selection of various combinations and proportions of the di-acid residues in the polymers. The polymers are suitable for use in production of drug-releasing biodegradable particles and implantable surgical devices, such as stents and internal fixation devices. The polymer compositions and surgical devices biodegrade in vivo by enzymatic action to release bioactive agents in a controlled manner over time as well as biocompatible breakdown products, including one to multiple different amino acids.