The hydrolytic degradation of two poly(ester amide)s derived from sebacic acid, dodecanediol, and alanine in both the quiral L configuration and the racemic L,D mixture has been studied. The degradation was monitored by following the changes in intrinsic viscosity, mass loss, chemical constitution, and mechanical properties. The results show that these poly(ester amide)s degrade slowly at 37 degrees C through the ester linkage. Little changes in the Young＇s modulus of both samples were found at the beginning of the degradation process. Biodegradation has also been studied by using different enzymes. Papain was the most effective one, although the degradation rate was dependent on the stereochemical composition of the polymer.