Which agency is responsible for overseeing the approval and regulation of drugs in the United States?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the agency responsible for overseeing the approval and regulation of drugs in the United States. This federal agency is tasked with ensuring that medications are safe and effective for public use before they can be marketed. The FDA conducts rigorous evaluations of clinical trial data submitted by pharmaceutical companies, ensuring that any drug approved for public consumption meets stringent safety and efficacy standards. Additionally, the FDA monitors the manufacturing processes of drugs to ensure compliance with regulations and often engages in post-market surveillance to track drug performance and any potential side effects.

The other agencies mentioned have different areas of focus. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) primarily deals with public health and safety through the control of disease outbreaks and health education. The American Medical Association (AMA) is a professional organization that focuses on advancing the interests of physicians and medical practices but does not have regulatory authority over drugs. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) oversees a broad range of health-related issues and agencies, including the FDA, but it does not specifically regulate drugs itself. Thus, the FDA distinctly stands out as the primary authority for drug approval and regulation in the U.S.