Which regulatory body is responsible for overseeing the efficacy and safety of pharmaceuticals?

The correct choice is the regulatory body known as the FDA, or the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA is tasked with ensuring that pharmaceuticals, including over-the-counter and prescription medications, are safe and effective for public use. It conducts rigorous assessments of new drug applications, which include evaluating clinical trial data that demonstrates a drug's efficacy and monitors its safety through ongoing surveillance once the drug is on the market.

The FDA plays a critical role in the pharmaceutical industry by setting standards for drug approval, ensuring that companies adhere to stringent scientific and ethical guidelines during research and production. This oversight helps safeguard public health by reducing the risk of adverse effects associated with medications and ensuring that the benefits of a drug outweigh any potential risks.

The other options relate to different aspects of regulation: the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) focuses on consumer protection and preventing unfair business practices; the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) primarily deals with the enforcement of the controlled substances laws and regulations; while OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) is involved in ensuring workplace safety and health standards, not directly related to drug efficacy and safety.