Which of the following is a primary purpose of the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act?

The primary purpose of the Drug Price Competition and Patent Term Restoration Act, also known as the Hatch-Waxman Act, is to streamline the approval process for generic drugs. This legislation was enacted to enhance market competition by allowing for the easier entry of generic drugs into the marketplace, ultimately leading to lower drug prices for consumers. It established an abbreviated new drug application (ANDA) process, which allows generic manufacturers to submit applications that rely on the safety and effectiveness data already established for the brand-name counterpart. This approach helps facilitate quicker access to lower-cost alternatives for patients once the patent on a brand-name drug expires.

In contrast, while the act also includes provisions that assist in the development of new brand name drugs, its main focus is not solely on that area. There are no specific regulations on prescribing drug marketing or anabolic steroids within the context of this act. The emphasis is largely on ensuring that generics can more readily compete with brand-name drugs following patent expiration, reflecting the act's goal of promoting affordability and accessibility in the pharmaceutical market.