The core objectives of the Section on Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics include:

1. Provide leadership and direction for educational programs that focus on various aspects of pediatric therapeutics.
2. Promotion of pediatric clinical drug research
3. Serve as an advocate for children in all facets of drug use and regulation
4. Support the AAP in the development of pertinent policies that serve the therapeutic needs of children and supports clinicians with therapeutic decision-making.
5. Maintain collaborative relationships with the Food and Drug Administration, United States Pharmacopoeia, National Institutes of Health, the pharmaceutical industry, and other professional organizations whose mission involves pediatric therapeutics.
6. Keep its members and the AAP abreast of new developments and important news pertaining to children and therapy
7. Peer support and referral

The Section convenes its organizational meetings and hosts educational programs at the Academy's National Conference and Exhibition. Topics addressed at past meetings have included drugs for children with AIDS, use of sedatives and analgesia in critically ill children, issues related to caffeine and children, office-based clinical trials. The section has also sponsored joint programs with other AAP sections on issues related to poison prevention, use of topical and over-the-counter medications, etc.