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
Industry associations in the UK, Germany and Greece expect 2026 to be the year self‑care policy is translated into day‑to‑day system change. They highlight opportunities in pharmacy, digital tools and regulatory reform, but warn that progress depends on political timing and regulatory agility.
A new report by Bayer, GSCF and BCIU predicts that 2026 may be pivotal for embedding self‑care into global health policy, as progress toward universal healthcare has stalled and urgent, evidence‑driven advocacy is needed to ensure self‑care becomes a core, scalable component of health systems.
GSCF, AESGP and ILAR agree that 2026 will see self‑care translate into more tangible system‑level action, propelled by prevention, regulatory updates and more assertive efforts to counter misleading claims.
Consumer health companies can help accelerate the shift to prevention as employers and through innovation and cross-sector partnerships, unlocking a potential £42bn in savings for the UK National Health Service.
While it's not clear that it will, if the tech bubble bursts, innovation and investment in consumer health could slow, according to Euromonitor 's Magda Starula. Meanwhile, climate change is reshaping allergy and respiratory needs, creating opportunities for industry.
Executives from Opella, Haleon, Bayer, Kenvue, Cooper and Maxwellia anticipate a year of rapid growth in self‑care and personalised health, driven by digital tools, smarter OTC access and evidence‑led innovation across Europe and beyond.