CHPA highlights role of OTC meds at FDA public meeting

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) is reinforcing the role of over-the-counter medicines in expanding access to care, following remarks at a public meeting hosted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in collaboration with the Duke-Margolis Institute for Health Policy.

David Spangler, CHPA’s senior vice president of legal, policy and government affairs, emphasized the category’s importance during a panel titled “Opportunities to Improve Public Health with Nonprescription Treatments.”

“OTC medicines are a cornerstone of self-care, enabling millions of Americans to safely and effectively manage common conditions without a prescription,” said Spangler. “They deliver value across access, affordability, and empowerment by removing friction, reducing layers, steps, and delays so Americans can access timely options.”

The meeting brought together drug developers, providers, patient advocates, and other stakeholders to examine ways to expand access to nonprescription drugs as health systems face mounting pressure from capacity constraints and rising costs.

“As demand for care continues to outpace provider capacity—with nearly one in five Americans living in a primary care shortage area—OTC medicines are an important part of scalable, efficient solutions,” Spangler added.

CHPA framed OTC products as a critical lever for addressing access gaps, noting that nonprescription medicines allow consumers to treat common conditions without a provider visit, helping reduce delays and lower out-of-pocket costs. The association also highlighted the growing role of OTC switches and expanded availability in easing strain on the healthcare system by preserving clinical resources for more acute care needs.

The organization said these dynamics are becoming more pronounced as more consumers navigate high-deductible health plans and limited coverage, thereby increasing reliance on affordable, accessible self-care options.