David's coverage specializes in OTC medicines, dietary supplements and self-care medical devices. David is interested in regulatory gray areas such as the borderlines between medicines, supplements and medical devices, as well as botanical ingredients. David also regularly speaks to industry leaders and experts about the latest trends to deliver crucial market intelligence to HBW Insight readers, and co-hosts the Over the Counter podcast. In his spare time, David spends time in his allotment garden, reading/watching science fiction and worrying about climate change.
Latest from David Ridley
To improve engagement with patient information, a UK ePI Task Force comprising PAGB, ABPI and BGMA is looking at how electronic patient information leaflets (ePILs) can be introduced in the country.
The International Council for Advertising Self-Regulation has launched a "Global Think Tank" to further effective industry self-regulation in the area of advertising, backed by national authorities such as the UK's ASA.
Bayer Consumer Health is replacing mixed material PVC blister packs with monomaterial PET blisters beginning with Aleve in the Netherlands. HBW Insight speaks to vice president and global head of design, packaging, product experience and sustainability, Chris Padain, about the "evolutionary" strategy behind the move, the complexities of choosing the right material for the right product, and the importance of industry cross-collaboration via associations like GSCF.
A study recently published in peer reviewed journal Nutritional Bulletin advises those who follow a vegan and vegetarian diet to supplement with vitamin B12, especially women of childbearing age, including those who are planning pregnancies or are lactating, who are "generally higher risk of vitamin and mineral inadequacies and deficiencies, including but not limited to vitamin B12."
Perrigo is among the supporters of a campaign to get a clause of Germany's Medicines Advertising Act removed, which bans the advertising of the OTC morning after pill.
Bayer hopes Impli's implantable hormone biosensor will reveal self-care opportunities in the areas of stress, sleep, weight management, cardiovascular health, women’s health, or bone health.