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Abstract

Branched polyanhydrides that have superior properties for use in the controlled delivery of substances, prepared by the polymerization of a dicarboxylic acid monomer and a branching agent. The branching agent is a polycarboxylic acid monomer such as 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid ('BTC'), or an oligomerized fatty acid trimer. Alternatively, the branching agent is a polycarboxylic acid polymer such as poly(acrylic acid) ('PAA'). These branched polymers have significantly higher molecular weights and lower specific viscosity than linear polymers prepared under similar conditions. A major advantage of branched polyanhydrides is that the degradation and release kinetics can be substantially altered without significantly changing the physical properties of the polymer relative to the corresponding linear polymer. By manipulating both the diacid and the branching agent, a wide variety of biodegradable controlled delivery devices for diverse applications can be prepared.

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