The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 275 No 7379 p715
10 December 2005

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OTC regulation to be simplified

Red tape surrounding over-the-counter medicines regulation is to be reduced in order to meet the demands of patients keen to take responsibility for their own health care.

Speaking at a meeting of the Association of the European Self-Medication Industry in London recently, health minister Jane Kennedy said: “The introduction of changes in European law provides an opportunity to take a fresh look at how regulatory processes impact on industry, and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is keen to work with key stakeholders to consider how we can ease unnecessary burdens, primarily in relation to over-the-counter medicines.”

She announced that a review group, led by the MHRA, has been set up to determine what measures need to be in place to enable better operation and delivery of OTC medicines regulation.

The group will meet before the end of the year and make proposals by April 2006.