U.S. Supreme Court preemption decision: Riegel v. Medtronic, Inc.

You've probably already heard about the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Riegel v. Medtronic, Inc., ___ U.S. ___ (Feb. 20, 2008), earlier this year. Last Thursday, The American Lawyer had an interesting article, "For Defendants Alone?" (subscription), about that and other preemption cases now before the Supreme Court: "All three cases turn on the court's developing view of federal preemption of state torts. Specifically, whether or not approval by the Food and Drug Administration immunizes the makers of pharmaceuticals and medical devices from state court damages claims."

Sunday's New York Times also reported that "Drug Makers Near Old Goal: A Legal Shield." The article points out that the FDA is not in a position to substitute for products liability lawsuits:

A series of independent assessments have concluded that the agency is poorly organized, scientifically deficient and short of money. In February, its commissioner, Andrew C. von Eschenbach, acknowledged that the agency faces a crisis and may not be “adequate to regulate the food and drugs of the 21st century.”

The F.D.A. does not test experimental medicines but relies on drug makers to report the results of their own tests completely and honestly. Even when companies fail to follow agency rules, officials rarely seek to penalize them. “These are scientists, not cops,” said David Vladeck, a professor at Georgetown Law School.