Sharper manufacturing practice is often essential to rigorously optimise production economics and compete effectively in the over-the counter (OTC) marketplace. A recent article, published in European Pharmaceutical Review, describes the application of powder testing to improve the manufacturing efficiency of OTC products detailing work by Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), companies with extensive OTC portfolios.
Across Europe sales of over-the counter (OTC) drug products have increased during the pandemic, with France and the UK recording the highest levels of growth, 7.1 and 5.7 percent respectively. Longer term trends show OTC use rising steadily across the globe. The OTC market is consequently an increasingly attractive proposition for pharmaceutical manufacturers and an ‘Rx (prescription) to OTC switch’ is a relatively common strategy, post patent expiry, that can help to maintain profitability in the face of generic competition, as well as extending brand awareness.
Over 700 Rx products have been granted OTC status by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) over the last 30 years. However, the OTC marketplace is cost-sensitive, with the growth in private-label products (products sold under the name of the retailer rather than the manufacturer) an important factor with respect to downward pressure on price. Here, we illustrate using case study data, how powder testing can help manufacturers rise to the challenge of more efficient OTC product manufacture and compete effectively.
Click here to read ‘Meeting the Challenge of Cost-Effective OTC Drug Manufacture with Powder Testing’.