Abstract: Presented herein are techniques for localized release of systemically circulating therapeutic substances, which combine many of the advantages of systematic and localized administration, while eliminating many of the associated drawbacks. More specifically, in accordance with the techniques presented herein, an electro-responsive biomaterial is systemically administered to a recipient of an electrically-stimulating implantable medical device. The electro-responsive biomaterial comprises a therapeutic substance that is only activated (e.g., released) in the presence of an electromagnetic field generated by the electrically-stimulating implantable medical device.

Abstract: Embodiments are generally directed to the delivery of drugs through the use of an expandable polymeric component that is configured to swell when exposed to a recipient's bodily fluid. More specifically, in one embodiment an apparatus for implantation into a recipient comprises an expandable polymeric component and a drug delivery element that releasably carries a drug. The drug delivery element at least partially surrounds the expandable polymeric component.