Which act was a response to the clear need for more rigorous drug approval processes after incidents in the pharmaceutical industry?

The Kefauver-Harris Amendment of 1962 was a significant legislative response that aimed to address growing concerns about the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals in the wake of tragic events, such as the thalidomide incident. Thalidomide, once prescribed as a sedative and to alleviate morning sickness in pregnant women, caused severe birth defects, highlighting the critical need for stricter drug approval processes.

Prior to the Kefauver-Harris Amendment, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had limited authority to ensure that drugs were not only safe but also effective before they could be marketed. The amendment established more comprehensive requirements for drug manufacturers, mandating that new drugs had to demonstrate both safety and efficacy through rigorous clinical testing before receiving FDA approval for marketing. This change ensured that pharmaceutical companies would not only consider the safety of their products but also substantiate their therapeutic value through scientific evidence.

While the other acts mentioned also addressed important aspects of drug regulation, they did not focus predominantly on enhancing the drug approval process in response to the pressing issues of safety and efficacy like the Kefauver-Harris Amendment did.