What is the primary function of the FDA?

The primary function of the FDA, or the Food and Drug Administration, is to ensure the safety and efficacy of drugs before they can be marketed and used by the public. This involves reviewing clinical trial data submitted by pharmaceutical companies to determine whether a drug meets the necessary standards of safety and effectiveness. Approval by the FDA is essential for a new drug to be available on the market, as it assesses the potential benefits of the drug against its risks based on scientific evidence.

While the FDA does have roles that include educating the public on drug use and overseeing drug manufacturing practices, these functions support its primary mission of drug approval. Issuing medical licenses is not part of the FDA's responsibilities; this falls under the purview of state medical boards and other regulatory agencies. Therefore, the central focus of the FDA is its drug approval process, ensuring that any new medication is both safe for use and effective in treating the conditions for which it is intended.