The Proprietary Association of Great Britain (PAGB) recently hosted a landmark event in central London, gathering healthcare industry leaders to celebrate 40 years of medicines reclassification. The event highlighted a new collaboration between pharmaceutical companies, industry regulators, and pharmacy organizations aimed at accelerating the reclassification of prescription medicines to over-the-counter (OTC) status, thus improving patient access to treatments.
Speakers reflected on the progress since the first OTC switch in 1983, with ibuprofen as a key example. The newly-formed Reclassification Alliance, supported by PAGB, MHRA, and the Department of Health and Social Care, aims to streamline future reclassifications. This effort will not only identify medicines that could transition from Prescription Only Medicine (POM) to Pharmacy (P) status but also explore those that might become General Sale List (GSL) medicines.
PAGB’s chief executive, Michelle Riddalls, emphasized that the Alliance will play a pivotal role in driving these changes, potentially leading to substantial benefits for the NHS, including cost savings and a reduction in unnecessary GP and A&E visits. According to research commissioned by PAGB, future reclassifications could save the NHS £1.4 billion and eliminate 25 million unnecessary GP appointments annually.
MHRA chief executive Dr. June Raine highlighted the importance of making data-driven decisions to ensure that reclassifications are done at the right time and in the right way. She underscored the MHRA’s commitment to improving public access to safe and effective self-care products and welcomed the collaborative efforts of the Reclassification Alliance.
Pharmacist Mark Burdon, an advisor to PAGB, stressed the societal benefits of increased OTC availability, noting that many patients remain unaware of the full range of treatments available from pharmacists. He advocated for greater awareness and education to empower patients to make informed choices about their healthcare.
The event underscored the transformative impact of reclassification on patient autonomy, allowing for more convenient access to effective medicines and enhancing self-care practices across the UK.