Chondroitin sulfate/gelatin microspheres containing dexamethasone 21-acetate were prepared by complex coacervation method and their release patterns were examined in vitro. Microspheres prepared with a small amount of crosslinking agent had smooth surface and few pores, but those with a large amount of crosslinking agent were more porous and less spherical. In vitro release patterns were varied by changing polymer/drug weight ratio and amount of crosslinking agent. The release rate of dexamethasone 21-acetate in the presence of collagenase was faster than that in the absence of collagenase. Anti-inflammatory effect of dexamethasone 21-acetate microspheres was more efficient than that of dexamethasone 21-acetate solution in carrageenan-induced arthritis in the rat. On the basis of the above results, we might expect the degradation and drug release rate of these microspheres to be regulated by the degree of crosslinking and the level of enzymes. In patients with severe rheumatoid arthritis who have high concentration of collagenase, more drug would be released from the microspheres. An intra-articular injection therapy of rheumatoid arthritis with desired release kinetics could be developed to enhance patient compliance and therapeutic index.