A finished pharmaceutical product adapted for oral delivery of a physiologically active peptide agent, wherein the product comprises a therapeutically effective amount of the active peptide agent； at least one pharmaceutically acceptable pH-lowering agent； and at least one absorption enhancer effective to promote bioavailability of the active agent, wherein the pH-lowering agent is present in the finished pharmaceutical product in a quantity which, if the product were added to 10 milliliters of 0.1M aqueous sodium bicarbonate solution, would be sufficient to lower the pH of the solution to no higher than 5.5, and wherein an outer surface of the product is substantially free of an acid-resistant protective vehicle. The product is adapted for use in a method for enhancing the bioavailability of a therapeutic peptide active agent delivered orally.
