What is the main objective of the International Conference on Harmonization (ICH)?

The International Conference on Harmonization (ICH) primarily aims to define common regulatory guidance for the development and registration of pharmaceuticals. This objective is crucial as it helps to ensure that the various regulatory requirements in different regions can be harmonized, thus facilitating a more efficient and streamlined process for drug approval and oversight.

By establishing these common guidelines, the ICH supports the goal of ensuring that safe, effective medicines reach patients in various markets while upholding high standards of quality in clinical research. This alignment is vital for international collaboration and helps reduce redundancies in the regulatory process, ultimately promoting better public health outcomes.

The other possibilities, such as conducting clinical trials, preparing marketing strategies, or overseeing drug manufacturing processes, do not capture the core focus of the ICH, which is centered on regulatory guidance rather than direct operations or strategies in drug development and marketing.