Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER)
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 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, generic drugs, biosimilars, and over-the-counter drugs.
- Use science and data to ensure drug safety, quality and efficacy.
- Streamline the drug development process and ensure drugs are safe and effective.
- Provide drug information for consumers and patients, health care providers and professionals, industry, and more.
- Make recommendations to update drug labeling.
More From CDER
CDER Initiatives
CDER programs and campaigns that streamline the drug development process, advance public health, and help ensure human drugs are safe and effective.
News & Events for Human Drugs
Discussions with key CDER leadership, procedural and scientific advancements in drug development and safety, and FAQs with FDA.
CDERLearn
Continuing Education (CE) courses and training opportunities for health care professionals and academia on drug regulation.
FDA-TRACK: CDER Performance Dashboard
CDER performance measures in policy and science development, pre-approval safety review, and post-approval safety monitoring.