Pharmaceutical companies are businesses that develop, produce, and market medications. They play a crucial role in healthcare by creating drugs that help treat various diseases and improve patients' quality of life. These companies often invest significant resources in research and development to discover new treatments and ensure their safety and effectiveness. In addition to creating new medications, pharmaceutical companies also conduct clinical trials to test their products. They must comply with regulations set by government agencies, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, to ensure that their drugs meet safety standards before they can be sold to the public.