The FDA Drug Approval Process: Risks v. Benefits

icSendicound medical practice relies on the skills and training of medical professionals, the technology and advancements of facilities and devices, and the quality and integrity of medicines. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), an agency within the Public Health Service, which in turn is a part of the Department of Health and Human Services, is charged with the responsibility of approving drugs and medical devices for marketing in the United States.

The FDA's primary objective is not to photo-3determine whether a new product will be entirely safe. Its goals are to determine whether the benefits of that …