German OTC Market News: Allergy, Pain And Sleep Launches From Sanofi, Teva And P&G
Executive Summary
The latest German consumer healthcare launches: Sanofi adds bilastine antihistamine to Allegra range; Teva's Ratiopharm delivers paracetamol and ibuprofen combo thanks to Rx-to-OTC switch; and P&G livens up WICK ZzzQuil sleep aid gummies with tropical fruit flavour.
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Rx-To-OTC Switch Of Low-Cost Smoking Cessation Drug Cystine Rejected By German Committee
Low-cost smoking cessation alternaitve cystine and azelastine-fluticasone combination nasal spray Rx-to-OTC switch applications were rejected by Germany's independent Expert Committee on Prescription at its latest meeting. Olopatadine for ophthalmic use and oral bilastine at 10mg strength were, however, given the green light.
Blame The ‘Hamsters’: Germany’s Paediatric Fever Medicine Shortage Worsens
An ongoing crisis in the availability of children's fever medicines in Germany is due to stockpiling – or “hamstering” – by pharmacists and wholesalers, says the country's medicines regulator. This is disputed by not just pharmacists and wholesalers, but also manufacturers, which blame Germany's fixed price system for reimbursable medicines, which includes OTC children's fever medicines. Nevertheless, the German government is seeking to address the real causes of the crisis with a new draft generics law, which is being welcomed by industry.
Alternative Smoking Cessation Drug Cytisine On 2023 German Switch Committee Agenda
Low-cost alternative smoking cessation drug cytisine is under consideration by Germany's independent switch committee in January, alongside azelastine and fluticasone propionate in combination for intranasal use, olopatadine for ophthalmic use and bilastine (10mg) for oral use.