What key requirement was introduced by the Kefauver-Harris Amendment of 1962?

The Kefauver-Harris Amendment of 1962 introduced the key requirement that drugs must be both safe and effective before they can be approved for use by the public. This was a significant change in the regulatory landscape of pharmaceuticals, making it necessary for drug manufacturers to provide substantial evidence demonstrating the safety and efficacy of their products through rigorous clinical testing.

Prior to this amendment, the approval process mainly focused on the safety of medications, but the public's demand for effective treatment options following the thalidomide tragedy pushed for more stringent requirements. This amendment strengthened the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) authority, ensuring that patients receive medications that are not only safe to use but also deliver the intended therapeutic benefits.