the processes, actions, or authorities involved in creating, enforcing, or interpreting rules, standards, and laws. In health research and clinical practice, it often relates to the oversight and approval of products, interventions, or studies by government or official agencies to ensure safety, efficacy, and ethical compliance.
Example
Before a new arthritis drug can be marketed, it must undergo review by regulatory authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA). These agencies evaluate the evidence for safety and effectiveness and decide whether the product meets the required standards for approval.