In 2014 analysts will closely watch Bayer AG and Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC for moves to increase their presence in the OTC sector.
Major OTC Acquisitions, Expansion Likely In 2014
With major consumer product divisions potentially in play, analysts take a look at possible buyers and sellers in the OTC space. Switches and consumer business expansion plans are also likely to shape 2014.
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Haleon now holds 88% of its China OTC joint venture after acquiring a larger stake in the business from its local partners.
Organizations representing APAC health and medicines regulators and the consumer health industry respectively have agreed to “recognize the importance of self-care as a fundamental pillar of health and wellbeing” and “affirm our dedication to advancing self-care as an essential component of Universal Health Coverage.”
Self-care industry representatives from GSCF/AESGP, Bayer and Opella stress the seriousness of the global climate crisis at the 2024 GSCF, APSMI, TSMIA Joint Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, and also share iniatives that are attempting to deal with this crisis, for example replacing PVC in medicine blister packs with more easily recyclable materials.
GSCF research shows that self-care already saves the Asia Pacific region more than $30bn a year in healthcare system costs. To realize higher gains, health literacy, Rx-to-OTC switch and digitalization need to be leveraged, according to the EU-ASEAN Business Council.
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IPA Europe responds critically to recent EU Ombudsman's decision that the EC’s position in relation to probiotics is “reasonable". “While we respect the Ombudsman’s role, its conclusions fail to address the main critical concerns raised by stakeholders,” the association insists.
Bayer Consumer Health, the Global Self-Care Federation and the Business Council for International Understanding outline in a paper how industry can work with multilateral organizations, governments, financial institutions, and stakeholders to "recognize and champion self-care as a fundamental driver of global health progress."
Offer valuing struggling UK consumer health player Alliance at £350m has the backing of the company's board of directors.