No public sales for otc drug kits

I would like to correct any misunderstandings which may have arisen from your news item “Boehringer puts test kits on market” (MW February 17).

Contrary to your report, at this time Boehringer Mannheim UK has no intention of marketing the Frontline range of test kits for drug abuse as otc products.

These kits are for professional use only and will therefore be sold exclusively to appropriate market sectors such as medical, occupational health and defence services.

Consequently, it follows that the company has had no need to lobby regulatory authorities in order to obtain permission for otc sales. Finally, no date has yet been set for the introduction of the Frontline range into the UK.

Katharina Auer

Communications Coordinator

Corange London

London W1