What is the primary role of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)?

The primary role of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to protect public health by ensuring the safety and efficacy of drugs, as well as other products such as food, medical devices, and vaccines. This involves rigorous evaluation and approval processes for new medications, which include assessing data from clinical trials to confirm that a drug is both safe for consumption and effective for its intended use before it can be marketed to the public. The FDA also monitors ongoing safety and effectiveness post-approval, ensuring that any risks are managed and communicated effectively.

The responsibilities of the FDA are pivotal for maintaining public trust in the healthcare system and for minimizing the risks associated with pharmaceutical products. This aligns with their mission to provide a framework that ensures that healthcare products are safe, effective, and of high quality, thus fostering a healthier society.