The present invention is directed to parenterally-administrable microparticles for providing sustained-release of a therapeutic agent in the body, where the microparticles include a polymeric core containing a therapeutically effective amount of a therapeutic agent disposed therein, a first film encapsulating the core, the first film prepared from a first biodegradable polymer soluble in an appropriate solvent therefore, and a second film encapsulating the core and the first film, the second film prepared from a biodegradable polymer soluble in an appropriate solvent therefore, wherein the first film is insoluble in the solvent used to prepare the second film, and to parenterally-administrable compositions containing such microparticles dispersed in a suitable carrier therefore.