The correct answer to the question is:
A. Food and Drug Administration
1. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is the agency responsible for regulating and overseeing the testing and approval of drugs in the United States.
2. Before a pharmaceutical company can start selling a new drug, they need to conduct clinical trials to ensure the drug's safety and efficacy.
3. These trials require significant investment and are essential for determining if the drug can be approved for sale to the public.
4. The FDA evaluates the data from these trials to make informed decisions about the drug's approval, ensuring that it meets safety standards and provides the claimed benefits.
By choosing the FDA as the correct answer, it highlights the crucial role this agency plays in safeguarding public health by ensuring that drugs on the market are safe and effective.