Center for Drug Evaluation and Research

**Who We Are** The Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) performs an essential public health task by making sure that safe and effective drugs are available to improve the health of people in the United States. As part of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), CDER [regulates](https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/histories-fda-regulated-products/history-drug-regulation "The History of Drug Regulation") over-the-counter and prescription drugs, including biological therapeutics and generic drugs. This work covers more than just medicines. For example, fluoride toothpaste, antiperspirants, dandruff shampoos and sunscreens are all considered drugs. **What We Do** - Oversee [prescription drugs](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/laws-acts-and-rules/fdas-labeling-resources-human-prescription-drugs "FDA’s Labeling Resources for Human Prescription Drugs"), [generic drugs](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/buying-using-medicine-safely/generic-drugs "Generic Drugs"), [biosimilars](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/therapeutic-biologics-applications-bla/biosimilars "Biosimilars"), and [over-the-counter drugs](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/how-drugs-are-developed-and-approved/over-counter-otc-nonprescription-drugs "Over-the-Counter OTC | Nonprescription Drugs"). - Use science and data to ensure drug [safety, quality and efficacy](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability "Drug Safety and Availability"). - Streamline the [drug development process](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/development-approval-process-drugs "Development Approval Process | Drugs") and ensure drugs are safe and effective. [Watch More Videos](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/information-consumers-and-patients-drugs/overview-our-role-regulating-and-approving-drugs-video-series) - Provide drug information for [consumers and patients](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-drugs/information-consumers-and-patients-drugs "Information for Consumers and Patients | Drugs"), [health care providers and professionals](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-drugs/information-health-care-professionals-drugs "Information for Health Care Professionals | Drugs"), [industry](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/guidance-compliance-regulatory-information "Guidance, Compliance, Regulatory Information"), and more. - Make recommendations to update [drug labeling](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/laws-acts-and-rules/fdas-labeling-resources-human-prescription-drugs "FDA’s Labeling Resources for Human Prescription Drugs").