What term describes drugs that are developed for medical use?

The term that describes drugs developed for medical use is "pharmaceutical." This designation refers specifically to substances that are formulated and manufactured for therapeutic purposes in the prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of diseases or medical conditions. Pharmaceutical drugs undergo rigorous testing and regulatory approval processes to ensure their safety, efficacy, and quality before they are made available for medical use.

In contrast, recreational drugs are substances used primarily for enjoyment and non-medical purposes, lacking the regulatory oversight associated with pharmaceuticals. Therapeutic drugs are indeed aimed at treating illnesses but the term "pharmaceutical" encompasses all aspects of drug development, production, and distribution, making it the broader and more precise term in this context. Experimental drugs may still be in the testing phase and not yet approved for general medical use, further distinguishing them from established pharmaceuticals.