Corporate Magazine 2012 - Boehringer Ingelheim

OUR GLOBAL SWITCH TEAMThe Switch unit is focused on switching medicines withexpired patents to over-the-counter medications. The teamis working on global switch opportunities, thus offeringconsumers new self-care solutions.FROM PRESCRIPTION TOSELF-MEDICATIONA switch is a process whereby a drug, previously available as prescriptionmedicine only, is approved as safe and effective for selfmedicationuse without a doctor’s prescription. Switches increaseaccess to treatment options, reduce overall healthcare costs andcan significantly increase the awareness of the respective healthcondition.ALESION® JAPANA number of targeted campaignsmade alesion® one of the bestOTC launches, surpassing amarket share of 11% during thefirst season after launch.Many consumers want to be responsiblefor their own health and prefer greateraccess to self-medication. In addition,undertreatment of many common medicalconditions is a well-recognisedpublic health problem and easing theaccess to necessary drug therapies providesimproved health outcomes.Thus, governments and regulatory authoritiesshow an increased willingnessto make medications more accessibleand affordable through a switch and toavoid unnecessary doctor’s visits andhealthcare costs. Given the current financialconstraints and burden combinedwith a rapidly ageing population,we see a huge potential to relieve physicians’offices and to unburden thehealthcare systems by releasing medicinesfrom prescription.An expert team for switchesBased on these trends and in alignmentwith its Consumer Health Care (CHC)growth strategy, Boeh ringer Ingelheimset up a dedicated switch unit.The unit is focused on switching medicineswith expired patents of BoehringerIngelheim, thus offering consumersnew self-care solutions.Furthermore, the unit uses the reputationas a leading global over-the-counter(OTC) company to become a partnerof choice. The global strength of CHCmakes it an attractive partner for othercompanies with switch candidates.90 Boehringer Ingelheim annual report 2012