Global Medical Device Podcast Powered By Greenlight.guru

In Part 1 of this two-part series, Etienne Nichols sits down with regulatory strategist Dr. Mike Drues to explore the nuanced differences between prescription (Rx) and over-the-counter (OTC) medical devices. They demystify key terms, regulatory classifications, and the growing trend of label expansions from Rx to OTC—highlighting real-world examples like CPAP machines and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs). This episode unpacks how intended users, environments, and risk tolerances shape device categorization, and why usability testing is far more complex than many realize. Whether you're developing a consumer health product or preparing a label expansion strategy, this is a must-listen for your regulatory roadmap.Key Timestamps[03:05] – What defines an OTC vs. prescription medical device?[06:45] – Market size of OTC devices and major product categories10:00 – Label expansion: moving from Rx to OTC status13:22 – The role of intended use environment in OTC classifications20:40 – Examples of devices in each FDA