In this episode, HBW Insight speaks to AESGP director general and GSCF board member Jurate Švarcaite about the GSCF's Charter for Environmentally Sustainable Self-Care, which it describes as the “first industry-wide climate action resolution issued by the consumer health sector.” Švarcaite reveals the story behind the charter and discusses what it aims to achieve, as well as some of the challenges companies face in formulating ambitious, yet concrete and achievable climate action goals.
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.
Stada launches nine new Oilatum products in Saudi Arabia including “rich moisturising creams for intense hydration, gentle body washes for daily cleansing, and baby-specific products like soothing bath bubbles and head-to-toe wash.”
Bayer Consumer Health, the Global Self-Care Federation and the Business Council for International Understanding outline in a paper how industry can work with multilateral organizations, governments, financial institutions, and stakeholders to "recognize and champion self-care as a fundamental driver of global health progress."
AESGP, MedTech Europe and other associations representing medtech companies including manufacturers of self-care devices call for such products to be included in European Commission proposals for “zero-for-zero” trade in industrial goods between Europe and the US.
An application for melatonin as an OTC medicine is on the agenda for the next German switch committee meeting, despite the hormone being widely available in food supplements. Acyclovir as a buccal tablet and second-generation antihistamine rupatadine are also up for discussion.