NCCI Loss Costs Accepted with 3.8% Decrease for Workers' Compensation

The Texas Department of Insurance (TDI) has accepted the NCCI advisory loss cost filing, resulting in an average 3.8% decrease for workers' compensation insurance, effective July 1, 2026. Insurance companies writing workers' compensation in Texas must submit rate filings by June 1, 2026, using the new loss costs.

EMA CHMP Recommends 12 Medicines for Approval

The European Medicines Agency's Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) recommended 12 new medicines for approval and six for extension of therapeutic indications. This includes novel treatments for influenza, COVID-19, paediatric brain tumours, Parkinson's disease, and several biosimilar medicines.

EMA Recommends Ojemda for Paediatric Low-Grade Glioma

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended a conditional marketing authorisation for Ojemda (tovorafenib) to treat paediatric low-grade glioma in patients aged 6 months and older with specific BRAF gene alterations. This recommendation addresses an unmet medical need for a targeted therapy in this patient population.

California Officials Seize Illegal Cannabis Plants Worth $57 Million

California state officials, led by Governor Gavin Newsom, announced the seizure of over 58,000 illegal cannabis plants and approximately three tons of processed cannabis in November. The operation, conducted by the Department of Cannabis Control, targeted the illicit market and resulted in the eradication of plants and product valued at an estimated $56.5 million.

Cannabis Business Dispute and Fraud Avoidance Guidance

The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has issued guidance on avoiding business disputes and fraud within the cannabis industry. The document outlines proactive measures for vetting partners, understanding contracts, and maintaining records to prevent common pitfalls.

DCC Awards $30 Million in Cannabis Research Grants

The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) awarded nearly $30 million in research grants to nine academic institutions for 22 projects. This funding, derived from cannabis tax revenues, supports research on economic dynamics, public health, and environmental impacts related to cannabis.

Sonoma County CEQA Cannabis Projects Public Comment

The California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) has released draft environmental documents for three commercial cannabis projects in Sonoma County for public review and comment. These documents, prepared under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), analyze potential environmental impacts and propose mitigation measures. The comment period is open until March 1, 2026.

California Seizes Over $1.2 Billion in Illegal Cannabis

California announced state officers have seized and destroyed over $1.2 billion in illicit cannabis products through the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force (UCETF). Seizures in 2025 alone reached $609 million, an 18-fold increase since 2022, highlighting the state's efforts to combat the illegal market.

I&S LLC Stipulation, Agreement, and Order

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has entered into a Stipulation, Agreement, and Order with I&S LLC. The order addresses alleged deceptive advertising practices related to the company's subscription services. I&S LLC has agreed to specific terms to resolve these allegations.

Dutch Botanicals LLC Stipulation Agreement Order

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Stipulation Agreement Order against Dutch Botanicals LLC. This order likely addresses violations related to the manufacturing or marketing of food products, requiring specific actions and potentially imposing penalties.