Contradictory Supreme Court Decision and the Costs to Society

According to an article in the New York Times here - today's Supreme Court decision sets the following scenario:

An injured consumer can sue a drug maker — but not a medical device maker?

That seemed to be the contradictory result of a decision Wednesday by the Supreme Court, ruling that federal law does not protect drug companies from product liability suits in state courts.

In contrast, the Supreme Court ruled last year that federal law does bar such lawsuits against the makers of heart stents, artificial joints and other critical medical devices.

While legal eagles will debate the nuances of today's decision - here is the real issue:

"[Today's]....decision would make companies more reluctant to produce beneficial drugs that come with higher risks."

Everything you ingest, whether it is Steak, Peanut Butter, Aspirin, and even Water, carries with it an element of risk. you cannot eliminate risk.
As a society, the cost of not developing life saving but potentially risky drugs, is a cost that we cannot afford to bear.