AAHP Reader Favorites for 2024
As we wrap up 2024, we’d like to take a moment to look back at our top articles from this year. These top five reads captured the attention of our community, making them the standout content of the past 12 months. Your interest and enthusiasm keep AAHP moving forward, and we’re eager to deliver fresh perspectives, valuable resources, and informative updates as we step into 2025.
The most viewed article of 2024 addresses a critical topic for the homeopathic community: ensuring quality and compliance in manufacturing. Co-authors William Shevin, M.D., President, HPCUS, and Eric L. Foxman, Pharm. (Ret.), Senior Scientist, HPCUS, highlight a white paper posted by the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia Convention of the United States (HPCUS) regarding challenges in applying current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs) to homeopathic manufacturing. As they explain, the paper outlines science-based methods that respect both regulatory requirements and the unique nature of homeopathy.
Our second most viewed article of 2023 was written by AAHP President Mark Land, MS, RAC-US, and focuses on GMPs specifically for manufacturing homeopathic products. In this piece, Mark reflects on the challenges and exemptions unique to homeopathy, detailing how FDA policies and HPUS white papers address important issues like active ingredient quantification, manufacturing processes, and consumer safety.
Our third most-viewed article of 2024 is a special member-exclusive, offering an in-depth look at compliance requirements of every drug maker and marketer. FDA issued 600 warning letters in 2023, so AAHP highlighted key focus areas that had been a priority for the agency. By examining frequent citations, this article provides members with valuable strategies to prepare for inspections and navigate regulatory expectations effectively.
Our fourth most viewed article is another one written by AAHP President Mark Land, MS, RAC-US about consumer-friendly drug product labels. Mark’s piece looks at the paradox of consumers wanting more information about products while FDA and academics concluded that overcrowded labels lead to missed information important to selecting an OTC. His article offers practical suggestions on how to revise websites and labels to better serve consumers and enhance clarity.
Our fifth most-viewed article of 2024 is “FTC Updates Health Claims Substantiation Guidance” by AAHP Legal Counsel Alvin J. Lorman. For the first time in 25 years, the FTC updated its guidance on health products compliance in December 2022. Although homeopathy is not specifically mentioned, this guidance extends the FTC’s 1998 framework on dietary supplements to all health-related products. We brought this important update to members’ attention again in our July newsletter, emphasizing the FTC’s expectations on substantiating health claims—an essential resource for ensuring compliance.