Japan OTC Drug Deregulation Leads To Hot Price Competition
This article was originally published in PharmAsia News
Executive Summary
Deregulation of over-the-counter drugs in Japan appears to have had the government's desired effect as stores do battle in competition over prices. One supermarket, newly allowed to sell certain OTC drugs such as painkillers and cold remedies, became the latest to join the competition by announcing it would cut prices of such products by as much as 55 percent. Drug stores, also now allowed to sell most OTC drugs without having to have a pharmacist on the premises, also have joined the battle by offering discounts and extending store hours. (Click here for more - a subscription may be required