What is a primary function of the FDA in the field of biotechnology?

The primary function of the FDA in the field of biotechnology is to regulate the safety and efficacy of products. This encompasses the oversight of various biotechnological products, including drugs, vaccines, and diagnostic tests, ensuring that they are safe for public use and meet the necessary efficacy standards before they can be approved for the market. The FDA's rigorous evaluation process involves reviewing clinical trial data, assessing manufacturing practices, and inspecting facilities to maintain high safety standards.

In this regulatory role, the FDA also sets guidelines that companies must follow when developing and testing new biotech products, which helps protect public health. This function is crucial not only to safeguard individuals but also to promote scientific integrity and foster trust in biotechnological advancements. While developing new biopharmaceuticals, promoting exports, or conducting genetic testing may play roles in the larger biotechnology sector, they do not encapsulate the FDA's primary responsibility, which is fundamentally centered around regulation and oversight.