Life sciences companies are adding risk factor language in response to the U.S. Supreme Court overturning the Chevron Doctrine. As you may recall, the U.S. Supreme Court recently overturned the Chevron Doctrine. This decision and other related decisions may prompt widespread litigation challenging existing federal regulations, which may create uncertainty for a number of industries and businesses. 

Accordingly, we have observed a recent trend of companies, particularly life science companies, including new risk factor language about this ruling. For example, see the following language:

“In addition, three decisions from the U.S. Supreme Court in July 2024 may lead to an increase in litigation against regulatory agencies that could create uncertainty and thus negatively impact our business. The first decision overturned established precedent that required courts to defer to regulatory agencies’ interpretations of ambiguous statutory language. The second decision overturned regulatory agencies’ ability to impose civil penalties in administrative proceedings. The third decision extended the statute of limitations within which entities may challenge agency actions. These cases may result in increased litigation by industry against regulatory agencies and impact how such agencies choose to pursue enforcement and compliance actions. However, the specific, lasting effects of these decisions, which may vary within different judicial districts and circuits, is unknown. We also cannot predict the extent to which FDA and SEC regulations, policies, and decisions may become subject to increasing legal challenges, delays, and changes.”

Companies in other highly regulated industries should consider whether it is appropriate to include similar language.