Choose the closest synonym for the word in italics:

Extensive clinical trials demonstrated the efficacy of the newly developed antiviral compound in reducing hospital recovery times.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. effectiveness in producing desired results

  1. Step 1: Look at the empirical outcome: the compound succeeded in reducing recovery times during clinical trials.
  2. Step 2: 'Efficacy' refers specifically to the capacity or power to produce a desired effect or intended therapeutic result.
Answer
effectiveness in producing desired results.
Why not the others: 'tendency to cause adverse toxic reactions' describes toxicity; 'high financial cost of chemical synthesis' refers to manufacturing expense; 'inability to withstand room temperature' describes thermal instability.

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