A drug release system is disclosed comprising a laminate structure comprising at least one layer comprising a matrix made from a shape memory material and at least one drug dispersed in the matrix, and layers from a shape memory material not containing a drug and sandwiching the at least one layer comprising the drug(s) on both surfaces, wherein the shape memory material of the layers not containing a drug, after triggering of the shape memory effect, controls the release rate of the drug(s). Another embodiment comprises at least one drug, a reservoir for receiving the drug(s), and at least one of a coating and a membrane closing the reservoir, wherein one of a material for the reservoir and a material for the coating or membrane is made from a shape memory material and wherein the shape memory material, after triggering the shape memory effect, controls the rate of release of the drug(s).
