FDA's new approach for making more Rx drugs available over-the-counter, particularly for chronic conditions, allows sponsors to tap into digital media and other tools to help demonstrate that consumers can assess whether an OTC drug is appropriate for them and they can use the product safely.
Innovation In OTC Switches Takes Multimedia Approach In US FDA Draft Guidance
Sponsors can point consumers to video displays, website information and mobile apps to help them choose products that have been switched from Rx to OTC. Draft guidance on innovative switch applications to be followed by rule-making in near future.

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Eisai aims to support people in Japan with severe heartburn and discomfort caused by gastric acid related conditions by switching from prescription to OTC status its Pariet-branded proton pump inhibitor.
Two AESGP papers reviewing the evidence for AMR risk associated with a range of OTC antifungals and antivirals conclude there is litte to no risk associated with the responsible self-care use of such medicines.
HBW Insight speaks to AESGP director general Jurate Švarcaite about what's on the agenda for the upcoming 61st AESGP Annual Meeting, which will take place in Warsaw, Poland, between 2-4 June. Highlights include the role of prevention in self-care, discussions about how regulators will ensure the competitiveness of European industry on the world stage and incoming changes to sustainability legislation.
“Overall, no unexpected/new data or findings” were presented to Germany's Expert Committee for Prescription in the most recent Rx-to-OTC switch application for sildenafil (25mg and 50mg), according to medicines regulator BfArM, resulting in a third rejection in three years.
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Reclassifying ethanol as a carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic substance - something the European Chemicals Agency seems likely to do in the near future - would be “tantamount to a de facto ban” with “fatal consequences” for medical care in Germany, says Pharma Deutschland in a joint paper with 13 other German healthcare industry associations.
Jump in cough & cold sales at the end of the year helps Recordati post higher OTC revenues for 2024.
Italy's Alfasigma has expanded its operation in Germany with the creation of a new Consumer Healthcare unit. Led by Rüdiger Hoppe, the business is rolling out OTC medical devices and dietary supplements in the gastrointestinal category.