The synthesis and characterization of a polycarbonate of glycerol and poly(carbonate-ester)s of glycerol and L-lactic acid are reported. These new polymers possess a hydrolyzable backbone, tunable hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties, and functionalizable pendant groups. The free hydroxyl groups on the poly(glycerol-co-L-lactic acid) were derivatized with 4-isobutylmethylphenylacetic acid, a common nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug.