Advancements in Non-Prescription Medicines

By CIOReview | Tuesday, July 9, 2019

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are structuring new rules to encourage innovations and marketing of legalized pharmaceutical drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) therapies.

FREMONT, CA: Drug development is one of the primary processes in the medical sector and is quite sensitive. A slight malfunction at any stage not only causes an epidemic of breaking news headlines but also devastates the stability of the healthcare ecosystem. However, traditional technology is continuously failing to serve the purpose of advanced medications. Nowadays, the patients are well versed with the functionalities of diseases and are also familiar with the ways to neutralize minor difficulties. Even with the scrutinizing mindset, patients are facing a significant setback with the loosely established over-the-counter therapies. But the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has introduced new ways to revamp the management of non-prescribed medicines by formulating plans to expand the prescription therapies to non-prescription status.

Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are structuring new rules and promoting digital technologies to encourage innovative advancement and marketing of legalized pharmaceutical drugs and over-the-counter (OTC) therapies. However, to achieve modernization of OTC, FDA and therapeutic drug manufacturers need legislative approval from Congress. For several years, an OTC monograph review agenda has been set up to develop reformative initiatives for government and congressional officials. Nonetheless, experts from the Centre for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) are planning to establish an expansion for non-prescribed drugs as a part of the Office of New Drugs (OND). The broader establishment of OND will elevate the management capabilities of new drug applications (NDAs) for non-prescription pharmaceuticals.

According to the FDA, OTC monographs reforms remain the top priorities for the agency. The agency is also planning to facilitate prescription-to-OTC switches for regulating consumers’ access to non-prescribed medicines. Along with the safety concerns and regulatory measures, the FDA also monitors ingredients commonly used in healthcare products like sunscreens, lotions, and even dietary supplements. FDA is implementing new technologies to enable and ensure that pharmaceutical manufacturers function within the approved parameters of healthcare services. Furthermore, with the upcoming in-store technology like digital kiosks, the consumers will possess the power to self-select medication for their treatments.