Europe

Developed using Datair's Ambee climate data technology, Opella’s Pollen Passport presents users with an easy to use and interactive online visualization of air quality at holiday destinations across the world.

IPA Europe responds critically to recent EU Ombudsman's decision that the EC’s position in relation to probiotics is “reasonable". “While we respect the Ombudsman’s role, its conclusions fail to address the main critical concerns raised by stakeholders,” the association insists.

Offer valuing struggling UK consumer health player Alliance at £350m has the backing of the company's board of directors.

In response to an IPA Europe complaint, European Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly finds that the Commission’s interpretation of EU food legislation in relation to probiotics is “reasonable and in line with the main goal of this legislation, which is to ensure a high level of consumer protection.”

PAGB CEO Michelle Riddalls and ISF president emeritus David Webber have been awarded OBEs for their services to consumer health and self-care.

A recent Kenvue survey shows that an overwhelming majority of UK pharmacists believe many health issues could be prevented through better self-care.

Oral pseudoephedrine decongestants marketed by Kenuve, Haleon and Opella, amongst others, are now only available with a doctor's prescription in France.

Bayer Consumer Health snaps up digital therapeutic Cara Care for its Precision Health business with an eye to developing its self-care capabilities.

FSA now aims to send the first recommendations for the authorization of CBD novel food products to UK government ministers in 2025, according to its most recent board meeting. The agency is closely scrutinizing trace THC levels and is planning to ban use of CBD food products by under 18s.

Bayer Consumer Health shelves European launch of topical OTC onychomycosis treatment under its Canesten brand after a Phase III trial of the product - developed by Sweden's Moberg Pharma - failed to meet its primary endpoint.

Pharmaceutical industry associations are united in their view that the revised EU Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive discriminates against medicines and cosmetics producers.

French CDMO Unither has snapped up Marinomed's Carragelose virus-blocking compound, which is used in OTC nasal sprays marketed by leading consumer health players such as Perrigo and Reckitt.

PharmaSGP has added an additional €5m to the top-end of its sales guidance after recording a double-digit gain Italy and outpacing the growth of the OTC market in Germany.

European Food Safety Authority finds no link between creatine supplementation and improved cognitive function.

A round-up of the latest consumer health industry appointments: GSCF names next director general, MENAP-SCI elects chairman; Clasado hires BD director.

Spanish sage drives the cognitive health benefits of Bayer Consumer Health's new Berocca Mind effervescent supplement in the UK.

The trophies have been presented at the OTC Marketing Awards 2024 - but what did the judging panel have to say about the winning and highly-commended entries?

Winners across 12 categories were announced at the OTC Marketing Awards 2024 on 21 November, with Opella taking the top prize as OTC Company of the Year.

The EU’s health nominee may not be as controversial as the recent US one, but the candidate being grilled has proved the least popular of the commissioner nominations with MEPs

OTC antifungal fluconazole will soon only be available with a doctor's prescription in Norway.