Drug delivery systems are disclosed which include a drug in dry powder form and a biodegradable or metabolizable carrier having an average particle size of less than about 1 mm for delivery of the drug to a particular location in the body and for providing for the timed elution of the drug at that location, preferably by exhibiting a linear drug elution profile for a sustained drug release period of at least 30 days. Methods for manufacturing these drug delivery systems are also disclosed.