Patent ID: 7160557

Claim:
A therapeutic agent delivery system comprising a matrix, wherein the matrix comprises a biodegradable polymer having incorporated therein the therapeutic agent and an amphiphilic or hydrophobic compound incorporated within the matrix in an effective amount to modify the diffusion of water into the matrix and the release of the therapeutic agent from the matrix, wherein therapeutic agent is released over shorter periods of time as compared to release from a matrix not incorporating the hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound, wherein the therapeutic agent is selected from the group consisting of proteins, peptides, antibiotics, antivirals, steroids, antihistamines, bronchodilators, and hormones, wherein the hydrophobic or amphiphilic compound is selected from the group consisting of fatty acids and derivatives thereof, mono-, di and triglycerides, phospholipids, amino acids, and aromatic compounds, and wherein the matrix is formed by emulsifying a polymer solution, the therapeutic agent and a volatile salt and then removing the volatile salt and solvent.