What major goal does the Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act target?

The correct choice focuses on enhancing the speed of drug approval for serious illnesses. The Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act (FDAMA), enacted in 1997, aimed to facilitate the availability of therapies for patients with serious or life-threatening conditions. This is particularly important because traditional drug approval processes can be lengthy, and patients in need of new treatments often face dire circumstances.

The act introduced provisions meant to accelerate the review and approval process, allowing for a more timely response to the urgent healthcare needs of patients. By streamlining the regulatory procedures, the FDA could grant quicker access to innovative treatments that could significantly improve patient outcomes. This responsiveness is a central tenet of the legislation, reflecting the growing recognition of the necessity for agility in drug development and approval within the context of public health.

In contrast, options concerning increasing access to over-the-counter medications, standardizing pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, or eliminating the need for clinical trials do not align with the primary objective of FDAMA. While these aspects are important in the broader context of pharmaceutical regulation and public health, they are not the focal point of the enhancements sought through this particular act.