The compositions disclosed herein are for use as controlled release therapeutics for the treatment of a wide variety of diseases. In particular, the compositions provide water soluble bioactive agents, organic ions and polymers where the bioactive agent is efficiently released over time with minimal degradation products. The resulting controlled release composition is capable of administration in a decreased dose volume due to the high drug content and predominance of non-degraded bioactive agent after release. Additionally, the compositions, of the present invention are capable of long term, sustained releases.