What is the primary role of the FDA?

The primary role of the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) involves the approval of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. This encompasses assessing the safety and efficacy of medications before they can be marketed to the public. The FDA conducts extensive reviews of clinical trial data, evaluates manufacturing processes, and ensures that drugs meet established safety standards.

The agency's responsibilities not only focus on drug approval but also include monitoring drugs post-market to ensure ongoing safety and effectiveness. This vigilant oversight plays a critical role in protecting public health by ensuring that medications available to consumers are safe for use and provide the intended therapeutic benefits.

While the FDA also has roles in regulating food safety and cosmetic products as well as contributing to health policy, these areas are not the primary focus of the agency compared to its work with pharmaceuticals. Hence, the emphasis on drug approval clearly delineates the FDA's most critical function.