19 March 2018 - When FDA approves a new drug, it has been found safe and effective when used under the conditions described in the label. Although this concept seems simple, the execution can be complex. 

Many factors are involved in weighing the benefits a drug can provide against the risks associated with its use. To that end, after we approve a new drug, we also want to make sure the scientific community and the public can understand why we approved it. This can help inform future drug development and, in turn, may facilitate the approval of additional safe and effective medicines.

One way we explain the “why” behind a drug approval is by sharing information from the clinical trials that supported the approval decision. This information is usually discussed in FDA review documents authored by our physicians and other scientists. But often there is no complete description of the important efficacy trials, including the trial protocols, descriptions of any modifications made during the trial itself, and an explanation of all of the results.

Read FDA blog