Which agency implements regulations to ensure safety in drug manufacturing?

The agency that implements regulations to ensure safety in drug manufacturing is the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is responsible for protecting public health by regulating food safety, tobacco products, dietary supplements, prescription and over-the-counter pharmaceutical drugs, vaccines, and other biological products. In the context of drug manufacturing, the FDA establishes guidelines and regulations that pharmaceutical companies must follow to ensure their products are safe, effective, and manufactured in compliance with quality standards.

This includes overseeing the clinical trial processes, evaluating the safety and efficacy of new drugs before they can be marketed, and ensuring that manufacturing facilities adhere to good manufacturing practices (GMP). The regulations enforced by the FDA are critical in preventing contamination, ensuring proper labeling, and mitigating risks associated with pharmaceuticals, thereby safeguarding consumers' public health.

While other agencies play important roles in healthcare and safety—such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which focuses on public health and disease prevention, and the Drug Enforcement Administration, which regulates controlled substances—the primary responsibility for drug safety and regulation lies with the FDA. The National Institutes of Health primarily conducts medical research and does not directly regulate drug manufacturing practices.