New nonpeptidic a-amino acid-based polyamides were used for drug delivery. Benzocaine was covalently linked via a spacer to N-protected poly (L-cystyl-L-cystine) and to poly(adipoyl-L-lysine). Its release by a-chymotrypsin attack was followed by UV. It was nearly quantitative within two days with L-cystine-based polyamide. Protected forms of these polyamides were used as matrices. Release of benzocaine entrapped in polyamide from (L-cystine) was controlled by diffusion. When entrapped in polyamide from (L-lysine) it was controlled by diffusion and swelling.