There is an interesting piece of trend tidbit, that the local pharma companies have launched, and been utilizing, "OTC Task Force".

Supposedly, the TF's are aimed to tap the possibility of selling over-the-counter (OTC) drugs in supermarket.

“We are always ready for OTC marketing at supermarkets, if an "appropriate" situation permits,” one company official said.

The government will push for a regulation change to allow OTC drugs to be sold at supermarkets and other distribution channels.

According to officials, the government is positively considering, that allowing such regulatory change would enable people to obtain medicines when pharmacies are closed at night, or when closed on holidays.

Another expectation: This might help bring down the [consumer retail] price of medicines.

According to a report by the Korea Consumer Agency, pharmacies as the sole distribution channel for OTCs is a major reason for the [retail] price bubble in Korea.

The report also stated that the local OTC price might be as much as 250 percent higher than in the United States for some products.

In addition, it pointed out that over-the-counter drugs are widely available at non-pharmaceutical stores in most advanced nations.

Confronted with a grandiose opposition from pharmacists, Japan eased related regulations twice in 1999 and 2004, to allow selected over-the-counter drugs to be sold at other channels. 

Also, Japan plans to allow cold medicines and vitamins to be sold over the internet from April next year.

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