Advanced drug delivery systems are having an enormous impact on human health. We start by discussing our early research on developing the first polymeric controlled release systems for macromolecules and their use in the isolation of angiogenesis inhibitors and how this led to numerous new therapies. We then discuss new ways of using nanotechnology based systems to deliver DNA and siRNA. Approaches for creating new biomaterials are then evaluated and examples where such materials are used in brain cancer and shape memory applications are discussed. Finally, by combining mammalian cells, including stem cells, with synthetic polymers, new approaches for engineering tissues are being developed that may someday help in treating various diseases. Examples in the areas of cartilage, skin and spinal cord repair are discussed.