Book excerpt: Controlled Release of Bioactive Materials is a collection papers that deal with the study of controlled release applications in drugs and other pharmacological products and processes. The text covers topics such as the theory and practice of controlled drug delivery from bioerodible polymers, biodegradable drug delivery systems from aliphatic polyesters, and the applications of osmotic drug delivery. Also covered are topics such as the application of polymers for the sustained release of macromolecules, controlled transdermal delivery, and the use of hydrogel devices for the controlled release of steroid hormones. The book is recommended for pharmacologists and doctors who would like to know more about advancements in the field of controlled release applications and its uses in healthcare, especially in pharmacology.