Pilocarpine was administered to a selected group of ocular hypertensive subjects in the form of a synthetic biosoluble matrix inserted into the conjunctival cul-de-sac. Satisfactory lowering of the intraocular pressure resulted, with a minimum of subject intolerance. The decreased pressure response was significant in some cases for greater than 24 hours. Drug delivery by soluble inserts offers promise as a convenient and effective mode of therapy.