Johnson & Johnson MSD: OTC statins launched in the UK

Over-the-counter simvastatin is expected to be launched under the brand name of Zocor Heart-Pro and will be available at a daily dose of 10mg. Though the move has been criticized for putting patients at potential risk, it should help statin manufacturers offset declining revenues from generic competition.

Published By Datamonitor

Functional drinks: nutraceuticals keep the French market moving

Published By Datamonitor

OTC healthcare: Turkey gobbles up medicated skincare

Published By Datamonitor

MOL/Agip: forecourts to profit from poor health

Changes in legislation regarding the sale of over-the-counter medicines in Hungary have led two of the country's fuel retailers to announce plans to begin selling non-prescription drugs. With the Hungarian over-the-counter medicines market forecast to see an average annual increase of 5% between 2005 and 2009, Agip and MOL are certain to experience healthy profits from this venture.

Published By Datamonitor

Is an Rx-to-OTC move the right prescription to protect pharma revenues and cut healthcare costs?

The growing cost of developing novel drugs, combined with the fact that fewer such drugs are gaining regulatory approval from year-to-year, is leading the cost-conscious pharmaceutical industry to make increasing use of lifecycle management techniques. The introduction of a behind-the-counter classification in the US would increase the possibilities for switching Rx drugs to protect market share.

Published By Datamonitor

GSK: orlistat becomes first OTC treatment for weight-loss in Europe

GlaxoSmithKline has received approval to sell Alli, a low dose formulation of orlistat, over-the-counter to overweight adults across the EU. The drug was previously only available by physician consultation, though it has been available over-the-counter in the US since 2007. Despite promising short term prospects, Datamonitor predicts that Alli's long term performance will be less favorable.

Published By Datamonitor