Polymeric barriers applied by compression have already been used to control drug release rate from matrix tablets. In this paper, polymeric barrier layers, used to prepare and develop a new device able to release the drug after a programmable period of time, are described. Some matrix core formulations, containing Trapidil or Sodium Diclofenac as a model drug, were dry-coated using either a swellable or an erodible shell. This coating prevents drug release from the core until the polymeric layer is not completely eroded or swollen. The time-lag can be modified by changing the barrier formulation and/or the coating thickness. Also drug release profiles (release rate and kinetics), can be widely modified changing the barrier layer characteristics.