Trending News Today: US Regulators Seek to Boost Medical Device Safety

A medicine made from a marijuana plant reduced seizures in children with severe forms of epilepsy and demonstrated positive results in an FDA review, the Associated Press reported. According to the article, the FDA posted its review of the experimental medication (Epidiolex, GW Pharmaceuticals) ahead of a public meeting Thursday, when a panel will vote on its safety and efficacy. Scientists concluded that GW Pharmaceutical’s submission “appears to support approval” despite some potential adverse effects including risk of liver injury, according to the Associated Press.

US health officials on Tuesday proposed steps to improve the government’s system for overseeing medical devices, the Associated Press reported. The plan from the FDA includes few immediate changes, but lists a number of ideas and proposals to improve safeguards on pacemakers, artificial joints, medical scanners, and other devices, according to the article. Additionally, the FDA will consider requiring more training for physicians who implant certain high-risk devices, the article stated.

Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) on Tuesday unveiled legislation targeting companies for their role in the opioid crisis, The Hill reported. According to the article, the bill bans companies from marketing opioids to consumers as nonaddictive and fines them 25% of the profits from opioid products if they are found in violation. The bill also prevents companies from distributing an amount of opioids that is not “medically reasonable,” according to The Hill.