What aims does the International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) address?

The International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) primarily aims to achieve greater harmonisation in product registration guidelines, which facilitates the efficient and effective development of pharmaceuticals across different countries. The ICH works to align the regulatory requirements among its member regions, including Europe, Japan, and the United States. This effort promotes a common understanding of good clinical practices, quality standards, and safety evaluations, thereby streamlining the approval process for new drugs and ensuring that medicines meet consistent and high-quality standards globally. This harmonisation ultimately benefits public health by making safe and effective drugs available to patients more rapidly.

The other options do not align with the primary mission of the ICH. Standardizing pricing strategies or developing marketing strategies are not part of the ICH’s goals and do not focus on regulatory standards. Eliminating clinical trials entirely contradicts the need for thorough evaluation of new products to ensure their safety and efficacy before they reach the market.