How can real-world evidence aid decision making during the life cycle of nonprescription medicines?

ABSTRACT: Real-world evidence (RWE) is an emerging scientific discipline which is being increasingly utilized for decision making on prescription-only medicines. However, there has been little focus to date on the application of RWE within the nonprescription sector. This paper reviews the existing and potential applications of RWE for nonprescription medicines, using the nonprescription medicine life cycle as a framework for discussion. Relevant sources of real-world data (RWD) are reviewed and compared with those available for prescribed medicines. Existing life-cycle data gaps are identified where RWE is required or where use of RWE can complement data from randomized controlled trials. Published RWE examples relating to nonprescription medicines are summarized, and potential relevant future sour

SUBMITTER: Csoke E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8742642 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature