Abstract: Biodegradable terephthalate polymers are described comprising the recurring monomeric units shown in formula I: 1

Abstract: Biodegradable, flowable or flexible polymer compositions are described comprising a polymer having the recurring monomeric units shown in formula I: wherein: each of R and R′ is independently straight or branched alkylene, either unsubstituted or substituted with one or more non-interfering substituents; L is a divalent cycloaliphatic group; R″ is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heterocyclic or heterocycloxy; and n is 5 to 1,000, wherein said biodegradable polymer is biocompatible before and upon biodegradation. In one embodiment, one or more of R, R′ or R″ is a biologically active substance. Amorphous compositions containing a biologically active substance, in addition to the polymer, and methods for controllably releasing biologically active substances using the compositions, are also described.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymers are described comprising the recurring monomeric units shown in formula I or II: wherein X is —O— or —NR′—, where R′ is H or alkyl; L is a branched or straight chain aliphatic group having from 1-20 carbon atoms; M1 and M2 are each independently (1) a branched or straight chain aliphatic group having from 1-20 carbon atoms; or (2) a branched or straight chain, oxy-, carboxy- or amino-aliphatic group having from 1-20 carbon atoms; Y is —O—, —S— or —NR′—, where R′ is H or alkyl; R is H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heterocyclic or heterocycloxy; the molar ratio of x:y is about 1; the molar ratio n:(x or y) is between about 200:1 and 1:200; and the molar ratio q:r is between about 1:99 and 99:1; wherein said biodegradable polymer is biocompatible before and upon biodegradat.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved processes for purifying polymer preparations by removing contaminants, such as metal contaminants. The present invention also provides improved processes for producing phosphopolymers, which can yield improved polymers in terms of molecular weight, homogeneity, consistency and purity. Polymers and polymer preparations also are provided. The present invention is time, labor and energy efficient, and thus marks an improvement over past approaches.

Abstract: Biodegradable terephthalate polymers are described comprising the recurring monomeric units shown in formula I: wherein R is a divalent organic moiety; R′ is an aliphatic, aromatic or heterocyclic residue; x is ≧1; and n is 0-5,000, wherein the biodegradable polymer is biocompatible before and upon biodegradation. Processes for preparing the polymers, compositions containing the polymers and biologically active substances, articles useful for implantation or injection into the body fabricated from the compositions, and methods for controllably releasing biologically active substances using the polymers, are also described.

Abstract: Biodegradable polymers are described comprising the recurring monomeric units shown in formula I or II: wherein X is --O-- or --NR'--, where R' is H or alkyl; L is a branched or straight chain aliphatic group having from 1-20 carbon atoms; M.sub.1 and M.sub.2 are each independently (1) a branched or straight chain aliphatic group having from 1-20 carbon atoms; or (2) a branched or straight chain, oxy-, carboxy- or amino-aliphatic group having from 1-20 carbon atoms; Y is --O--, --S-- or --NR'--, where R' is H or alkyl; R is H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heterocyclic or heterocycloxy; the molar ratio of x:y is about 1; the molar ratio n:(x or y) is between about 200:1 and 1:200; and the molar ratio q:r is between about 1:99 and 99:1; wherein said biodegradable polymer is biocompatible before and upon biodegradat.

Abstract: A medical device is described comprising a biodegradable terephthalate copolymer comprising the recurring monomeric units shown in formula I below: ##STR1## wherein R is a divalent organic moiety; R' is an aliphatic, aromatic, or heterocyclic residue; x is .gtoreq.1; and n is 3-7,500, and where the biodegradable terephthalate copolymer is sufficiently pure to be biocompatible and is capable of forming biocompatible residues upon biodegradation. In addition, compositions containing the copolymers and biologically active substances, articles useful for implantation or injection into the body fabricated from the compositions, and methods for controllably releasing biologically active substances using the copolymers, are also described.

Abstract: A process for making a high molecular weight poly(phosphoester) comprising the recurring monomeric units: ##STR1## wherein X is --O-- or --NR"--, where R" is H or alkyl; L is a divalent organic moiety, with the proviso that L cannot have the formula ##STR2## R' is H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heterocyclic, or heterocycloxy; and n is from about 25 to 2000,is described. The process comprises the steps of:(a) substantially dissolving p moles of a di-XH compound in a solvent comprising more than 75% toluene at a first temperature between about -75.degree. C. and 60.degree. C. to form a reaction mixture;(b) while maintaining the reaction mixture at the first temperature, adding q moles, where p.apprxeq.q, of a phosphorodihalo compound;(c) gradually increasing said first temperature at a rate of less than about 2.degree. C. per minute as necessary to achieve a second temperature between about 0.degree. C. and 110.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for making a phosphoester polymer comprising the recurring monomeric units of formula I: ##STR1## wherein: X is --O-- or --NR"--, where R" is H or alkyl;L is a divalent organic moiety;R' is H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heterocyclic, or heterocycloxy; andn is between about 25 to 2,000,is described. The process comprises the steps of:(a) polymerizing in the presence of a solvent p moles of a di-XH compound having formula II:H--X--L--X--H IIwherein X and L are as defined above, with q moles, where p.apprxeq.q, of a phosphorodihalo compound to form a polymer of formula I, wherein n is about 12 to 1000, having a first molecular weight Mw.sub.

Abstract: A process for making a high molecular weight poly(phosphoester) composition comprising:(i) a biologically active substance; and(ii) a poly(phosphoester) with the recurring monomeric units: ##STR1## wherein X is --O-- or --NR"--, where R" is H or alkyl; L is a divalent organic moiety, with the proviso that L cannot have the formula ##STR2## R' is H, alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, aryloxy, heterocyclic, or heterocycloxy; and n is from about 25 to 2000,is described. The process comprises the steps of:(a) substantially dissolving p moles of a di--XH compound in a solvent comprising more than 75% toluene at a first temperature between about -75.degree. C. and +60.degree. C. to form a reaction mixture;(b) while maintaining the reaction mixture at the first temperature, adding q moles, where p.apprxeq.q, of a phosphorodihalo compound;(c) gradually increasing said first temperature at a rate of less than about 1.5.degree. C. per minute as necessary to achieve a second temperature between about 0.degree. C. and 150.degree. C.