The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 274 No 7349 p572
14 May 2005

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News summary

OTC market shrinks slightly after three years of slow growth

The real-terms value of the market in over-the-counter medicines fell during 2004.

Figures released by the Proprietary Association of Great Britain show that sales growth was below inflation at just 0.9 per cent, compared with a 4.1 per cent increase during 2003.

Volume growth during 2004 was marginally ahead of sales at 1 per cent.

PAGB communications and commercial affairs director Mike Owen said: “The OTC market is not an easy one to be in at the moment. But there are clearly opportunities out there, with strong Government support for self care; new contracts for pharmacists and doctors that emphasise self care; and growing health awareness among consumers as three obvious helpful factors.”