PAGB publish new report for members – Reclassification: a strategic business initiative, not just a regulatory task

PAGB has published a new report for our members which provides an in-depth analysis of the reclassification landscape for OTC medicines in the UK following the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announcement in early 2025.

This week, PAGB published a new report for our members which provides an in-depth analysis of the reclassification landscape for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines in the UK, following the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announcement in early 2025.

Drawing upon insights from PAGB member companies, it highlights both the strategic significance and the operational challenges of reclassification as a business initiative. The findings reveal that reclassification is increasingly viewed as a cross-functional opportunity, requiring close collaboration across regulatory, commercial, and scientific teams.

The report recommends practical solutions and strategic recommendations essential to unlocking further innovation and growth in the consumer healthcare sector, supporting the aims of the NHS 10 Year Health Plan, and ultimately improving patient access to safe and effective self-care options.

The report can be viewed here.

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Self-Care Week blog post from Michelle Riddalls OBE

To mark Self-Care Week, Michelle Riddalls OBE has authored a blog post on the important role that reclassification has to play in the Government’s agenda to move from sickness to prevention and reduce pressures on primary care. Through greater reclassification of over-the-counter products, we can improve access to self-care, reduce GP visits and empower patients, whilst delivering up to £1.4 billion in savings to NHS prescribing costs annually.

Self-Care Week blog post from Michelle Riddalls OBE
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