What does the term “post-market surveillance” refer to?

The term "post-market surveillance" refers specifically to the monitoring of products after they have been released into the market. This process is essential for ensuring that a product continues to meet safety and efficacy standards once it is available to consumers. Post-market surveillance involves the collection and analysis of data related to the effectiveness of a product and any adverse events that may occur following its commercialization. Regulatory authorities typically require this type of monitoring to identify any potential issues that may not have been evident during pre-market clinical trials.

In contrast, testing drugs during clinical trials is part of the pre-market phase, where safety and efficacy are assessed before a product is approved for public use. Evaluating product development strategies focuses on the planning and processes involved in bringing a product to market, without the ongoing assessment of its performance in real-world settings. Assessing market demand for new therapies involves analyzing market trends and consumer needs but does not encompass the monitoring of safety and effectiveness post-launch. Overall, post-market surveillance is crucial for ongoing public health protection and product improvement.