Total of CDER decisions during March on OTC applications was down from January and February and also were less substantial for the marketplace. After approving OTC switches in first two months, March decisions for newly available OTCs were limited to additional guaifenesin/pseudoephedrine and omeprazole products offered as private label/store brand alternatives to brands.

New OTC medicines for fungal nail infections and verrucas have been launched in the UK by Galderma, Reckitt Benckiser and Vemedia, while new foot-care products have also been introduced by Blistex, Epitact and Dermatonics.

The probability of a postponed entry-in-force of the single Eurasian Economic Union system of medtech regulation has increased over the course of this year, according to speakers at the 2018 Informa KNect 365 Medtech Summit. But the drive for stronger local medtech industries continues, leaving foreign manufacturers with market-access problems to address.

Guaifenesin ineffective against common cold; vitamin D alone does not reduce fractures; probiotics might not reduce colic; and TCM “not inferior” to Rx for arthritis.