Speaking exclusively to HBW Insight, French OTC association Afipa reflects on a difficult 2019 which saw tighter restrictions introduced on the sale of popular consumer health products. The trade group believes the industry's best prospects for a brighter future are rebuilding relations with national drug regulator ANSM and to getting self-care higher up the agenda of the French government.

Fears over patient safety will see common OTC drugs including paracetamol moved behind the counter in France from January 2020.

Recalling Zantac in North America over contamination concerns and tightening regulatory requirements in Europe combined to impede growth at Sanofi Consumer Healthcare in Q3. New CEO Paul Hudson says he is still taking time to get to know the business before making any strategic moves.