EU OTC Medicines Sales Down, But Prospects Remain Healthy

Sales of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in the EU-27 declined by 1.6% in euro terms in 2008, according to data from the Association of the European Self-Medication Industry (AESGP). The contraction follows consistent growth over the past three years, including a 3.1% rise in spending in 2007. While this could indicate a change in market trends, BMI believes that downturn is a short-term blip, with a return to growth projected over the medium-term. We retain our core view that the trend for self-medication will be fuelled by prescription to OTC switches. This will be one of the major factors boosting sales

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