Intravaginal delivery of biologically active polypeptides

Pharmaceutical compositions of matter adapted for intravaginal administration comprise a biologically active polypeptide, an absorption promoter, such as an anionic and/or nonionic surfactant or a nonionic surfactant and an aliphatic carboxylic acid, optionally an animal and/or vegetable protein and a nontoxic pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent therefor, in a formulation suitable for intravaginal administration. Preferred compositions comprise calcitonin as the biologically active polypeptide. Preferred absorption promoters are anionic surfactants, e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate, and the combination absorption promoter of a nonionic surfactant and a medium chain aliphatic carboxylic acid or its salt, e.g. polyoxyethylenealkylphenylether and a medium chain aliphatic carboxylic acid.