What actions may a pharmaceutical company take to create a new drug? Select all that apply.

Creating a new drug is a broad process that encompasses several actions, and selecting this option reflects an understanding of the initial step in drug development. When a pharmaceutical company sets out to create a new medication, they engage in extensive research and development activities that can include discovering new compounds, designing novel formulations, or exploring new therapeutic targets. This is the foundational block for all subsequent processes in drug development.

While other actions like changing the drug absorption process or combining medications can also be components of pharmaceutical innovation, they typically fall under more specific developmental strategies rather than the overarching goal of creating a completely new medication. Conducting clinical trials is a crucial phase in drug development but is generally subsequent to the creation of the drug; it is where the efficacy and safety of the new medication are evaluated in human subjects.

Therefore, the action of creating a new medication encapsulates the essential objective of pharmacological progression, making it a key answer in the context of the question.