David's coverage specializes in OTC medicines, dietary supplements and self-care medical devices. David is interested in regulatory gray areas such as the borderlines between medicines, supplements and medical devices, as well as botanical ingredients. David also regularly speaks to industry leaders and experts about the latest trends to deliver crucial market intelligence to HBW Insight readers, and co-hosts the Over the Counter podcast. In his spare time, David spends time in his allotment garden, reading/watching science fiction and worrying about climate change.
Latest from David Ridley
Brazil has approved legislation permitting pharmacies to operate within supermarkets, expanding consumer access to OTC medicines while maintaining strict pharmacist oversight and existing safety standards.
Just a 1% improvement thanks to probiotic use in areas like antibiotic‑associated diarrhea, respiratory tract health, oral health, women’s health, lactose digestion, and mental wellbeing could generate significant savings for Europe's strained health systems.
A new ANEFP survey shows that while most Spanish consumers see self-care as essential to good health, gaps in knowledge, mental health support and broader socio‑economic pressures continue to limit how effectively it is practised.
Haleon is making health literacy a core growth and sustainability pillar, aiming by 2030 to help more than 300m people a year take control of their everyday health through system‑level policy engagement, community programmes and improved access to self‑care products.
In a foreword to a blog post by PAGB CEO Michelle Riddalls, the UK medicines regulator MHRA has signalled strong support for expanding Rx‑to‑OTC reclassification as a safe way to ease pressure on the NHS, strengthen the role of pharmacists and improve access to medicines.
With its new parntership with Colorado's Verb Biotics, Opella says it wants to create “clinically proven gut health solutions, ready for real life.”