Abstract: Polyanhydrides were synthesized by melt polymerization of his (p--carboxyphenyloxy ethoxy), phosphonoformic (or acetic) acid ethyl ester 1(or 2). Copolyanhydrides weresimilarly prepared from 1 (or 2) and his(p--carboxyphenoxy)propane (CPP), or sebacic acid(SA). The chemical stru ctures of these new polyanhydrides and copolyanhydrides wereconfirmed by ¹H NMR, FTIRand elemental analysis. The average molecular weight of thesepolymers was investigated. In vitro degradation of polyanhydrides and copolyandhydrides inphosphate buffer solution at 37 oC was monitored by HPLC. Experimental data revealed thatfission of phosphate bond took place after that of the anhydride bond. Enzymatic degradationshowed that Ribonuclease could catalyze and accelerate the degr adation of thesepolyanhydrides. Drug release profile of antitumor agents MTXand 5--Fu were also studied.

Key words: Polyanhydride, Drug controlled release material, 5-Fu, MTX