Europe
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.
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.
In Part 2 of HBW Insight’s Over the Counter podcast with David Pineda Ereño, we discuss how consumer health companies are navigating fragmented EU rules and leveraging e‑commerce to exploit the commercial potential of postbiotics. We also briefly discuss the exciting area of postbiotics.
In this episode of HBW Insight’s Over the Counter podcast, we speak with probiotic expert David Pineda Ereño about Europe’s fragmented regulatory landscape, the future of the “probiotic” definition, and how companies can navigate diverging EU Member State positions.
With EFPIA’s challenge struck out, the UWWTD battle now shifts to Poland’s case at the Court of Justice, where AESGP expects the Directive’s core legal arguments to finally be tested.
Despite 2025 volume stagnation in France and Italy, structural opportunities in category penetration, wellness premiumization, pharmacy expansion, and Rx-to-OTC switch suggest the self-care market still has clear levers for growth.
New data from Haleon shows that untreated tooth decay costs the UK £18.9bn, strengthening the case for a national focus on preventive oral care. The firm is also expanding its Sensodyne range to meet growing demand for products that combine whitening with sensitivity protection.
Increased sales of dietary supplements softened France’s 2025 volume decline, which was driven by a mild respiratory season. French self-care industry association NèreS calls for expanded pharmacist authority and broader non‑prescription access to strengthen the country’s first line of care.
While Italy’s non-prescription medicines market has stabilized following the volatility of the coronavirus pandemic, unlocking sustainable volume growth will require further Rx-to-OTC switches, argues the country's consumer health industry association, Assosalute.
Nearly one in five UK adults have used CBD in the past year, mainly for wellbeing, mental health and pain, with many users reporting reliance, strong brand‑trust considerations and growing concerns about unauthorized products.
After three years, EFSA reopens the CBD novel food process with a very conservative provisional safe intake of just 2mg/day due to major unresolved safety data gaps.
Germany’s Expert Committee for Prescription (SVA) has unanimously rejected the proposed switch of the controversial painkiller metamizole from prescription to OTC status.
Umbrella branding in OTC medicines supports responsible self‑care by helping consumers navigate choices, build trust and confidence, and access reliable health information, countering regulators’ long‑standing focus on risks rather than benefits, says PAGB CEO Michelle Riddalls.
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.
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.
Haleon looks to tap into the growing UK gut health category with Centrum Multibiotics Complete and Centrum Multibiotics Daily.
Germany’s Expert Committee for Prescription meets on 20 January to discuss the Rx-to-OTC switch of controversial painkiller metamizole, which has been banned in a number of countries around the world because of the risk of agranulocytosis.
European consumers are prioritizing immunity, energy, and fatigue reduction when buying food supplements, according to a new report by AESGP. While these trends will drive growth for consumer health manufacturers, they also face growing competition, rising costs, and consumer skepticism.