Health

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.

C&D starts 2026 with expectations to boost sales of latest acquisition, Touchland scented hand sanitizer, after halting sales of Flawless hair removal/nail care and Waterpik showerhead products and selling Spinbrush power toothbrush brand as well vitafusion and L’il Critter gummy supplement lines.

A round-up of the latest European people moves: Angelini hires external affairs chief; Pierre Fabre appoints impact and reputation officer; Boots changes leadership at the top.

Both companies announced that during special meetings on Jan. 29, their shareholders voted nearly unanimous support for Kimberly-Clark’s $48.7bn acquisition proposed in November at $3.50 per share plus 0.14625 share for each Kenvue share.

Futura Medical "delighted" with early feasibility study results for topical OTC treatment WSD4000.

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.

AI is rapidly reshaping consumer health advertising across Europe, supporting creative work, compliance checks and regulatory oversight, according to a recently published report by UK consumer healthcare industry association, PAGB.

Consumers are increasingly seeking health and wellness solutions that combine natural ingredients with scientific credibility and technological innovation, reflecting a shift from treating illness to embracing prevention, according to the latest trends report from UK retailer Holland & Barrett.

Featuring: Prevention‑driven reforms in Vietnam; surging demand for OTC and herbal based interventions in China; Singapore updates its health data infrastructure; regional regulatory harmonization across Australia, Singapore and Indonesia; and WHO sets formal direction for TCIM.

Recommendations to mitigate attrition among clinical research and drug manufacturing investigators at the FDA have not been implemented, and a Strategic Workforce Plan aimed at addressing recruiting, retention and training challenges has been shelved, the Government Accountability Office said.

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.

A new Lancet meta-analysis finds no evidence that paracetamol use in pregnancy increases the risk of autism, ADHD, or intellectual disability, decisively refuting claims made by US President Donald Trump and reaffirming regulatory guidance that the drug remains safe when used as directed.

Huge opportunities for OTC therapies loom in India, as consumerization brings structural reset in healthcare. Success stories on Rx-to-OTC transition augur well for pharma, but a predictable regulatory roadmap will be pivotal for sustainable growth.

In PDUFA reauthorization subgroup meetings, CHPA suggests expanding FDA’s special protocol assessment program to include OTC drug studies before FDA notes Congress has required it to provide switch-specific guidance before current PDUFA expires.

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.

The US FDA is signaling its willingness to consider ‘creative’ proposals to make epinephrine available over-the-counter to treat anaphylaxis. The naloxone OTC switch may be a model, and the new ‘ACNU’ pathway could help.