How Pfizer Achieved 'Switch Success' With Viagra and Nexium

Pfizer secured two of the biggest prescription-to-OTC switches in recent years with the reclassification of Viagra and Nexium. Michelle Riddalls, Pfizer's director of regulatory affairs in Europe, offers her advice to firms looking to emulate this 'switch success'.

Michelle Riddalls
Pfizer's Michelle Riddalls • Source: Mark Earthy

Market readiness, company capabilities and selecting a product with the right attributes are the three most important factors for securing a successful prescription-to-OTC switch, says Pfizer Inc.’s director of regulatory affairs for its Northern European cluster, Michelle Riddalls.

At the recent 13th Annual Ceuta International Alliance Conference in London, Riddalls told delegates that Pfizer had enjoyed “switch success” with the reclassification of Viagra Connect in the UK last...

Read the full article – start your free trial today!

Join thousands of industry professionals who rely on HBW Insight for daily insights

  • Start your 7-day free trial
  • Explore trusted news, analysis, and insights
  • Access comprehensive global coverage
  • Enjoy instant access – no credit card required

More from Rx-to-OTC Switch

Allergy Ingredient Itch Warning, ACNU Final Rule Scratch Extent Of FDA Authority For Label Changes

 

Effective date for ACNU OTC switch final rule and finding of severe itching from long-term use of common allergy ingredients are bookends for limits of FDA’s authority for product label changes.

Over The Counter: Taking Real-World Evidence Seriously, With IQVIA Consumer Health’s Volker Spitzer

 
• By 

In part 2 of HBW Insight's interview, IQVIA Consumer Health's vice president of global research and development and real-world evidence services, Volker Spitzer, explains how to approach real world evidence so that regulators recognize its validity, in supporting Rx-to-OTC switch applications, for example.

New Zealand Could Become First Country To Offer Gout Drug Allopurinol OTC

 
• By 

At the second attempt, New Zealand’s Medicines Classification Committee supported the Rx-to-OTC switch of allopurinol (100mg and 300mg) for people suffering from gout by specifically trained pharmacists.

Over The Counter: Everything You Wanted To Know About Real World Evidence, With IQVIA’s Volker Spitzer

 
• By 

HBW Insight finds out all about real world evidence and its potential for the OTC industry by chatting with IQVIA Consumer Health's vice president of global research and development and real-world evidence services, Volker Spitzer.

More from Health

IQVIA Consumer Health: Digestive Category Driving Global OTC Market Growth

 
• By 

An increasing awareness of and interest in gut health helped the global OTC market grow by 4.6% in value terms in 2024, according to IQVIA Consumer Health.

MAHA Commission Outlines Enhanced Research On Drug Safety In Children

 
• By 

Research would include initiatives on reproducing industry-sponsored studies, postmarket surveillance, and studies of long-term neurodevelopmental and metabolic outcomes for commonly prescribed pediatric drugs.

Alliance Pharma’s New Owners Will Instill ‘More Consumer-Oriented Mindset’

 
• By 

Private equity firms now in control of Alliance Pharma weighing úp plan to offload Rx business to help finance strategy to drive up sales and growth.