What is the primary purpose of the FDA?

The primary purpose of the FDA, or the Food and Drug Administration, is to ensure the safety and efficacy of drugs. This regulatory agency is responsible for evaluating and approving new medications before they can be marketed to the public. The FDA conducts rigorous scientific assessments to determine whether a drug is safe for use and effective for its intended purpose. By ensuring that drugs meet these standards, the FDA protects public health and helps to prevent harm from ineffective or dangerous products.

The role of the FDA encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including monitoring the safety of drugs on the market, regulating food safety, and overseeing the approval of medical devices, vaccines, and other health-related products. By focusing on safety and efficacy, the FDA plays a critical role in maintaining trust in the healthcare system and safeguarding consumers.

Other options do not accurately capture the primary mission of the FDA. Promoting drug sales is not a goal of the FDA; its function is regulatory, not commercial. Regulating drug prices is also outside the FDA's scope, as pricing is typically determined by the market and negotiated between payers and pharmaceutical companies. While the FDA may encourage research through guidelines and regulatory frameworks, it does not sponsor research directly.