What is the primary role of the FDA in drug regulation?

The primary role of the FDA in drug regulation is to ensure safety, efficacy, and security of drugs. This involves a comprehensive evaluation process where the FDA assesses clinical trial data, manufacturing practices, labeling, and other relevant information about a drug before it can be approved for use in the general population. The FDA works to protect public health by ensuring that all medications available on the market are safe and effective for their intended uses and that they meet established standards of quality.

While monitoring pharmaceutical companies and classification of drugs are also part of the FDA's responsibilities, the core mission revolves around the protection of public health by ensuring that drugs are proven to be safe and effective prior to their approval and use. Promoting drug sales and marketing is not a function of the FDA; instead, the agency focuses on regulatory oversight to ensure that marketing practices comply with the law, which includes ensuring that the information provided to consumers is accurate and not misleading.