Major global expansion of Rx-to-OTC switch forecast by 2016

There is a strong case that selected prescription (Rx) drugs today will gain over-the-counter (OTC) status in the near future, according to new research from USA-based pharma think-tank and consultancy Francesco International.

As a result, the quality of life for the consumer will be significantly enhanced as the use of new technology dramatically improves self-medication with these drugs and justifies their use without physician involvement.

The combination of these drugs plus new enabling technology will create a group of non-prescription drugs that Francesco International refers to as “enabled” over-the- counter (OTC-E) drugs. These OTC-E drugs have several distinct characteristics. Most important, this new group of drugs will be used primarily for chronic therapy treatment. Amongst others, therapy areas impacted will be hypertension, dermatology, lipid-lowering, osteoporosis, arthritis and incontinence. For example, drugs such as drug giant Pfizer’s Lipitor (atorvastatin) – which loses patent protection in the USA in November - will be used OTC by 2016 for lowering cholesterol to help prevent cardiovascular disease.