Pharma lobby, govt meet to discuss OTC drug regulation

NEW DELHI: Pharma lobby groups, multinational pharma companies and government officials will meet Tuesday to iron out issues regarding over the counter (OTC) drugs. "Appropriate use of OTC drugs improves accessibility and affordability for treatment and prevention of commonly occurring conditions. While OTC drugs provide multiple benefits, there are several associated challenges. The brainstorming session between the industry, pharma lobby groups and government officials is hence important," said a senior person in the know.

The drug regulator had earlier this year formed an expert panel to evaluate medicines which can become OTC from prescription after pharmaceutical companies approached the regulator to make their drugs OTC, a person said.

Once a drug becomes OTC it can be sold in general stores.