Next Generation Partners

Firms To Watch: Healthcare and life sciences

Fledgling firm Komarevski Dimitrov & Partners, Attorneys-at-Law continues to establish a presence in the healthcare and life sciences space. Managing partners Ilya Komarevski and Venelin Dimitrov have experience advising large global pharmaceutical corporations.

Healthcare and life sciences in Bulgaria

Boyanov & Co.

Boyanov & Co. frequently acts on behalf its extensive client roster of major pharmaceutical corporations, notably including Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Novartis and Bayer. Under the stewardship of Peter Petrov and Kina Chuturkova, the team handles a broad range of mandates arising out of the healthcare sector, with a particular emphasis on regulatory, antitrust and intellectual property (especially patent) issues. Petrov is praised for his ‘exceptional knowledge of healthcare and life sciences laws' and draws from his wealth of expertise in the regulatory space. Chuturkova, a former Supreme Court judge, excels in litigation and significant, high-value international arbitration proceedings in the sector. Senior associate Nedyalka Novakova is also a name to note.

Practice head(s):

Kina Chuturkova; Peter Petrov


Other key lawyers:

Nedyalka Novakova


Testimonials

‘The team is characterised by its extensive knowledge of the healthcare and life sciences area, both of the local market and of the local and European legal framework.’

‘Peter Petrov has exceptional knowledge of healthcare and life sciences laws, regulations and codes, and he has great knowledge of the market. He is always available and polite and highly responsive.’

Key clients

Sanofi Group companies


Neola Pharma


Actelion Pharmaceuticals


F. Hoffmann La Roche


AbbVie


Shire


ARPharM Bulgaria


Bayer


Novartis


GSK


Pharmaceutical Research Associates


Celgene Corporation


Merck


Medtronic


PharmArt Enterprises


Pfizer Bulgaria


Anika Therapeutics


Servier


Vertex Pharmaceuticals


AstraZeneca


Baxter Health


Stada


ICON


Ferring Pharmaceuticals


Grünenthal


Work highlights


  • Advised pharmaceutical companies Novartis, Roche, AstraZeneca, AbbVie, Pfizer and others on a variety of regulatory, market access, price regulation, distribution, quantity management and compliance issues in the pharma sector.
  • Advising pharmaceutical companies on patent and supplementary protection certificate matters in Bulgaria, including patent management and validation, patent enforcement and prosecution, and complex generics regulatory issues.
  • Advising clients in the medical devices sector, including Medtronic.

Dimitrov, Petrov & Co

The ‘well-developed’ practice at Dimitrov, Petrov & Co counts multiple multinational pharmaceutical corporations among its key clients, chiefly Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson and Eli Lilly, collaborating between departments to combine expertise in intellectual property, commercial, competition and data protection matters arising out of the sector. The team handles the full suite of day-to-day regulatory and antitrust matters, as well as representing clients in court proceedings to protect their IP rights. Bilyana Angelova heads up the department, with regulatory issues, compliance, advertising and distribution agreements, and intellectual property among her specialisms. She is supported by corporate partner Zoya Todorova, who is another key point of contact within the team.

Practice head(s):

Bilyana Angelova


Other key lawyers:

Zoya Todorova; Encho Simeonov; Martin Zahariev; Desislava Krusteva


Testimonials

‘The practice is really well developed and organised, with practitioners of various levels of experience and expertise. All the DPC lawyers I have worked with are unusually tech-savvy, in line with the latest industry and legal developments, which makes the working process and overall communication a lot easier.’

‘We have worked with Desislava Krusteva for years now. She has deep knowledge of technology issues, and is detail oriented, logical and reliable. Desislava’s advice has been extremely valuable for our business.’

Key clients

Pfizer Luxemburg


Johnson & Johnson Bulgaria


Janssen-Cilag International


Eli Lilly (Suisse) SA


Zakłady Farmaceutyczne


Rex Pharmaceuticals


Roche Bulgaria


Second Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynaecology


Ergomed


Pharma Marketing Advisors (PMA)


Hell Energy


Ekarisaj-Varna


Medico-Dental Center ISUL Tsaritsa Yoanna


Work highlights


  • Provided daily legal support to Pfizer Luxemburg SARL, Bulgaria Branch.
  • Provided regular legal advice on a variety of matters to Janssen-Cilag.
  • Provided regular legal advice on a variety of matters to Eli Lilly (Suisse) SA.

Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov

Djingov, Gouginski, Kyutchukov & Velichkov provides a comprehensive suite of services to its ever-growing client base of major pharmaceutical companies, advising on general corporate, regulatory and antitrust, data protection and intellectual property matters, among others. Recent client gains include Printivo Group, ProViotic and International SOS. The team is particularly strong in IP (specifically patent) issues, including contentious matters. Under the guidance of team leader and specialist IP practitioner Kalina Tchakarova, the team proved successful in representing Teva Pharmaceuticals Europe BV in patent invalidation administrative proceedings before the Bulgarian Patent Office.

Practice head(s):

Kalina Tchakarova


Key clients

Teva Pharmaceuticals Europe


Pierre Fabre Medicament


Printivo Group


Proviotic


Eye Hospital Burgas


Syneos Health


Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (Sobi)


Medison Pharma Trading


Novavax


B Healthy


Work highlights


  • Represented Teva Pharmaceuticals Europe BV before the Bulgarian Patent Office (BPO) in patent invalidation administrative proceedings.
  • Advised Swedish Orphan Biovitrum AB (Sobi) on various matters related to its market presence in Bulgaria, including compliance and the localisation of its global policies.
  • Advised Medison Pharma Trading AG on the review and localisation of the agreement that the client intended to conclude with its sub-distributor in Bulgaria.

CMS

Noted for its ‘strong expertise in the healthcare industry’, the healthcare and life sciences practice at CMS leverages its presence throughout both the CEE and SEE regions to handle a vast array of cross-border mandates, including in relation to corporate and commercial matters, regulatory issues, clinical trials and non-interventional studies, IP and data protection, advertising and dispute resolution. Its client list includes numerous corporations in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical devices industries. Assen Georgiev jointly leads the team with counsel Anna Tanova.

Practice head(s):

Assen Georgiev; Anna Tanova


Other key lawyers:

Nevena Radlova


Testimonials

‘The team has strong expertise in the healthcare industry, including compliance with local legislation. Compared to peers, the firm stands out for the speed of its response and the engagement level, with billing that meets the expectations of the client.’

‘Nevena Radlova is an exceptional lawyer, with excellent communication and project management skills. I have been very happy working with Nevena for the last few years and see her success as evidence of her dedication to her work and her clients.’

Key clients

Johnson & Johnson


Webcare Group


Dexcom


Essity


B. Braun Medical


Work highlights


  • Advised Johnson & Johnson on a wide range of commercial matters, personal data protection, regulatory law, commercial issues, and the review of contracts, as well as on the setting up and conduct of clinical trials and non-interventional studies in Bulgaria.
  • Assisted UK-based online pharmacy and healthcare company Webcare Group with multi-jurisdictional research on the legal implications of online prescription of medicines.
  • Advised Dexcom on regulatory issues related to the TV advertising of medical devices.

Deloitte Legal Law Firm

The growing healthcare and life sciences practice at Deloitte Legal Law Firm utilises its close alignment with the other arms of Deloitte Bulgaria to provide the full range of tax, accounting, financial advisory and other professional services to its clients across the pharmaceuticals and healthcare sector. Notable practitioners include Zvezdelina Filova, who jointly leads the practice alongside managing associate Miglena Micheva; the pair offer expertise in regulatory, corporate, data protection, tax, contractual and employment issues.

Practice head(s):

Zvezdelina Filova; Miglena Micheva


Georgiev, Todorov & Co

Notable for its ‘exceptional knowledge of the law’, Georgiev, Todorov & Co act on behalf of key companies in the healthcare and life sciences sector on a diverse portfolio of work that includes intellectual property, medical supply, regulatory, and general commercial and corporate matters. The team places particular emphasis on dispute resolution in the sector, successfully handling disputes for several hospitals from the Acibadem City Clinic group. Founding partner Ivan Todorov leads the practice group, and receives support from Tsvetelina Dimitrova.

Practice head(s):

Ivan Todorov


Other key lawyers:

Tsvetelina Dimitrova; Arno Mamasyan; Tsvetelina Mileva


Testimonials

‘Potential clients should be aware of the team’s exceptional knowledge of the law, exceptional quality of work, speed in solving various cases and incredible flexibility.’

‘The lawyers we work with are outstanding because of their ability to solve every case, as well as their incredible legal knowledge.’

‘The full-service legal advice in the healthcare and life sciences field is the main reason we work with Georgiev, Todorov & Co., as well as their client care, analytical skills and public speaking skills.’

‘The lawyers we work with provide us with answers to our questions, and make us feel protected in cases before the court and administrative institutions. Tsvetelina Dimitrova is very easy to communicate with, very knowledgeable and very responsive; she provides excellent advice on all matters. Tsvetelina Mileva is always ready to help, has an eye for detail and has outstanding research skills.’

‘Georgiev, Todorov & Co. represents some of the key hospitals and pharmaceutical companies in Bulgaria and has an outstanding reputation in the market. What makes the practice unique is that they have several partners and associates who specialise in the healthcare field, which is unusual for most law firms in Bulgaria. In addition, the lawyers have expressive public speaking skills, understand the details of legal matters and have superb client care. In addition, they use various technology tools to communicate with clients when face-to-face meetings are impossible, which makes mutual cooperation easier.’

‘We have been working with Arno Mamasyan and Tsvetelina Mileva. It is great to work with these two lawyers as they combine the experience, decision-making skills and analytical thinking of Mr. Mamasyan with the industry-specific knowledge, excellent research skills and innovative solutions of Ms. Mileva, and this collaboration provides for the most diverse and accurate legal advice on our issues.’

Key clients

Acibadem City Clinic Tokuda Hospital


Acibadem City Clinic University Hospital


Bul Med Investment


Hill Clinic


Institute for Medical Research


MBAL City Clinic Sveti Georgi


MBAL Doverie


MBAL Evropa


On Clinic


Recordati


Roche Bulgaria


SGP Bio Dynamics


Work highlights


  • Represented several hospitals from the Acibadem City Clinic group in disputes with the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) concerning payments for medical care provided to health-insured patients above the limits set.
  • Filed a claim on behalf of Multi-profile Hospital for Active Treatment Europa Ltd. in a dispute with the Ministry of Health in relation to damages claimed on the grounds of state and municipality responsibility.
  • Successfully represented the Institute for Medical Research in a dispute with an Austrian company in relation to the conduct of medical genetic research for the detection of genetic mutations in cancer patients and the execution of the contract concluded.

Kambourov & Partners

The multi-disciplinary approach adopted by the healthcare and life sciences team at Kambourov & Partners sees it well placed to offer a comprehensive range of services, including advising on employment, competition, regulatory, tax, M&A and dispute resolution matters in the sector. The practice group has consistently represented healthcare providers, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and clinical research organisations, and has an increasing emphasis on assisting start-ups. Notable clients include AstraZeneca and Pfizer. Andrey Alexandrov jointly leads the group alongside Ivo Alexandrov.

Practice head(s):

Ivo Alexandrov; Andrey Alexandrov


Testimonials

‘Kambourov & Partners shows great respect to the client; it always confirms that an e-mail has been received and responds on time. The team makes every effort to obtain answers to questions from the other party in good time and honestly informs the client about possible delays. We always get answers to our questions without unnecessary comments or evasive answers. All information is presented in a clear, understandable and polite way.’

Key clients

Pfizer


Dineras


AstraZeneca


Abris Capital Partners


Herbalife


Wimmer beteiligungs und vervaltungs


Vita Group


Sinclair Pharmaceuticals


University Specialised Hospital for Active Treatment of Obstetrics and Gynecology


Dentotal


Four Paws Foundation Bulgaria


Smurfit Kappa Group


Work highlights


  • Advised Dentotal, backed by private equity investor Abris Capital Partners, on the acquisition of two leading dental distributors in Bulgaria, Dentatechnica and Dentstore.
  • Advised Selena Hospital on its sale, including on competition issues.
  • Advised Herbalife on regulatory, employment, personal data protection, consumer protection and competition issues with regard to the distribution of its products in Bulgaria.

Murgova & Partners Attorneys at Law

Regularly representing state hospitals and private healthcare companies, Murgova & Partners Attorneys at Law has a successful track record in medical malpractice cases. On the non-contentious side, the team advises on clinical trials and public procurement procedures, as well as the full scope of day-to-day matters in the healthcare and life sciences sector. Managing partner Petya Murgova has 15 years' experience in the space and is singled out for her ‘practical experience, negotiation skills and vast expertise’. She co-heads the practice alongside associate Alexander Stoimenov, who is frequently engaged on compliance and public procurement mandates.

Practice head(s):

Petya Murgova; Alexander Stoimenov


Other key lawyers:

Simeon Krastev


Testimonials

‘The team have a high level of expertise, specifically in the healthcare sector. Their willingness to dive deep into the issue is impressive – they do not spare any effort.’

‘Very carefully selected and knowledgeable young lawyers who really want to be the best. It is a real pleasure to work with them and to see how they handle complicated court issues.’

‘This practice is unique because of the people: professional, caring, available, on time and, most of all, trustworthy.’

Key clients

Specialized Hospital for Rehabilitation


SAT Health


Vitania VR


Digital Health and innovations Cluster Bulgaria


My Synergy


Junior Achievement Foundation


Shemha Health


More Darzalas Foundation


Work highlights


  • Advised Digital Health and Innovations Cluster Bulgaria on a number of digital health projects in response to the changed health situation due to COVID-19.

Penkov, Markov & Partners

Penkov, Markov & Partners advises domestic and multinational medical device wholesalers, marketing authorisation holders and food supplement distributors. The team has expertise in matters ranging from regulatory approvals, clinical trials and medical licensing, to advertising, sale of products and market recalls. Practice leader Roman Stoyanov has over 17 years of experience in the sector, specialising in contentious matters regarding medical products and food supplements. At associate level, Ana Krusteva remains active in the space and is a fellow key contact.

Practice head(s):

Roman Stoyanov


Other key lawyers:

Vladimir Penkov; Ana Krusteva


Testimonials

‘Great availability and commitment to the client’s matter.’

Key clients

Pierre Fabre Bulgaria


Berlin-Chemie


A.Menarini Bulgaria


Berlin-Chemie


A. Minarine Research & Business Service


A. Menarini Industrie Farmaceutiche Riunite


Fresenius Medical Care Bulgaria


SMTL Puldin


NaturProdukt


InnoPharma


International Clinical Research Organization (CRO)


InnoPharma International


Anji Pharmaceuticals


Avanir Pharmaceuticals


Convex


Grünenthal


Work highlights


  • Advised Pierre Fabre Bulgaria on the process of reorganising its activity in the distribution of medicinal products, through obtaining a wholesale licence and a contract with a local distributor, as well as on the release of two new medicinal products on the market.
  • Represented Berlin-Chemie AG/A. Menarini Research & Business Service in a complex ongoing dispute concerning the parallel import of a medicinal product.
  • Advised Berlin-Chemie/A.Menarini Bulgaria on the process of stepping-in to two agreements with the National Health Insurance Fund.

Schoenherr

The healthcare and life sciences team at Schoenherr draws on the strengths of a range of different practice groups to provide advice on the full spectrum of matters in the sector, including corporate, regulatory and antitrust matters, with a particular focus on clinical trials, pricing, compliance, marketing authorisations and consumer protection. The team is notable for its specific expertise in emerging technologies in the sector, including AI projects, telemedicine, e-health and digi-pharma matters. Elena Todorova heads the team, and is experienced in issues on the technology side of the healthcare industry.

Practice head(s):

Elena Todorova


Testimonials

‘Schoenherr’s healthcare and life sciences practice is amazing and one of the oldest in the market in Bulgaria. The great success and fantastic image of the practice is related to the presence of Elena Todorova. She is a fantastic lawyer, has amazing knowledge and actually is one of the pioneers in the field when it comes to food law, healthcare and compliance.’

‘Elena Todorova is an amazing expert, who is always available and solution-oriented. She even assists governmental authorities in new cases where they lack the expertise that Elena has in excess.’

Key clients

Queisser Pharma Bulgaria


Schreiber Foods Bulgaria


Dimitar Madjarov


OMV


DentaTechnika


Amway


Dr. Oetker


RED Bull


KiK Textilien und Non-Food


Work highlights


  • Advised Queisser Pharma Bulgaria on the acquisition of its new office space in Sofia.
  • Advised KiK Textilien und Non-Food on the establishment of its local presence and on the regulatory aspects of its local business.
  • Advised Capital One Bank on the Bulgarian aspects of a senior debt financing for Healthcare Components Group’s acquisition of American Optics.

Stoeva, Tchompalov & Znepolski

Boutique firm Stoeva, Tchompalov & Znepolski counts multinational pharmaceutical producers, individual healthcare practitioners and pharmacists among its clients, the most notable of which are GlaxoSmithKline, Perrigo and EU Pharmacia Bulgaria. Dispute resolution and regulatory, compliance and public procurement issues comprise the bulk of the team’s work in the healthcare and life sciences field. Practice group leader and founding partner Irina Stoeva is praised as ‘an outstanding lawyer with impressive knowledge and experience in healthcare’.

Practice head(s):

Irina Stoeva


Other key lawyers:

Vania Todorova; Tihomir Todorov; Miroslava Iordanova


Testimonials

‘Good understanding of the healthcare environment.’

‘STZ has a unique combination of partners with longstanding practices and young, highly motivated lawyers. We consider that their main qualities are: swift and practical advice, the ability to work under challenging deadlines, and the flexibility and strength-in-depth of the team.’

‘For me, Irina Stoeva is an outstanding lawyer with impressive knowledge and experience in healthcare and commercial litigation. She is very responsive, business-oriented, flexible and persuasive. Due to her business-oriented, practical approach we have reached, in my view, the optimal outcome in several commercial cases. Other STZ team members we would like to praise are Vania Todorova, Tihomir Todorov and Miroslava Iordanova, all of whom are very knowledgeable, dedicated and precise lawyers.’

‘They work very efficiently to provide high-quality services, meet deadlines and save costs for their clients.’

‘Irina Stoeva is our main contract. She is an extremely competent and knowledgable lawyer, who is continuously up to date with changes in legislation and legal practice. She proactively provides information to her clients about important changes in the relevant legislation. She has a high level of professional integrity and a very sharp mind.’

Key clients

GlaxoSmithKline


Perrigo


EU Pharmacia Bulgaria


SottoPelle Bulgaria


Sofia Regional Pharmaceutical Association


Ekan – Lubomir Subev


Periodontics and Oral Implantology Society


Adriatic D.O.O.


Dr. Mark Danan


Medik X


Work highlights


  • Advised GlaxoSmithKline in relation to the change of its commercial model in Bulgaria and the outsourcing of the distribution, promotion and market access of the group’s pharmaceutical products to new local partners.
  • Advised EU Pharmacia Bulgaria on regulatory issues related to the registration of a food supplement with the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency.
  • Advised SottoPelle Bulgaria on the regulatory requirements applicable to the provision of hormone replacement therapy in Bulgaria by bioidentical pellet implants.

Eversheds Sutherland

Managing partner Irina Tsvetkova  leads the healthcare and life sciences practice group at Eversheds Sutherland in conjunction with managing associate and ‘brilliant lawyerEleonora Mateina. Under their joint stewardship, the team advises on day-to-day matters in the sector, including regulatory and pricing issues and the structuring of clinical trials, for its roster of multinational corporations. Pfizer remains a core client for the group. Principal associate Philip Kiossev is another key name in the department, excelling on the regulatory side.

Practice head(s):

Irina Tsvetkova; Eleonora Mateina


Other key lawyers:

Philip Kiossev


Testimonials

‘Eleonora is a brilliant lawyer – you can rely on her expertise. Very collaborative.’

Key clients

Applied Molecular Transport, Inc.


AstraZeneca


IQVIA


Mars/Royal Canin


Podravka


Takeda


Work highlights


  • Providing legal support to AstraZeneca in Bulgaria on an ongoing basis, including on regulatory, pricing and reimbursement (including court appeals), ethical, commercial, employment, personal data protection and other matters.
  • Acted as legal advisor to Mars on a recurring basis, including advising on food, food supplements and pet food regulation in Bulgaria, representation before the administrative authorities and courts in matters related to labelling, placing products on the market, product recalls and mandatory registrations.
  • Advised Applied Molecular Transport, in its capacity as sponsor, and Alimentiv, in its capacity as contract research organisation, on the conduct of clinical trials in Bulgaria at several clinical sites across the country.

Wolf Theiss

Wolf Theiss continues to demonstrate its capability across a range of different mandates; procurement, financing, licensing and corporate matters in the healthcare sector are all considered specialisms of the team. Clients include international pharmaceutical companies, providers of clinical trials and medical device manufacturers. Managing partner Anna Rizova lends her expertise to competition and antitrust matters in the sector and is praised for her ‘in-depth understanding of the local market’. She is supported by associate Hristina Dzhevlekova.

Practice head(s):

Anna Rizova


Other key lawyers:

Hristina Dzhevlekova


Testimonials

‘They follow developments in the healthcare and life sciences sector very closely and are well prepared to advise on matters in these areas, unlike some competitors in the local market. As a team, they are well organised and have excellent knowledge in their respective fields.’

‘Hristina Dzhevlekova is our contact for life sciences and healthcare matters. She is one of the most hardworking lawyers I know. Her 24/7 availability, timely responses, and efficient and effective advice are some of the qualities I appreciate.’

‘We are very happy with the team and their work. I think that what stands out the most is their high level of expertise and competence, combined with a really in-depth understanding of our business. The team are experienced and approach matters quickly and efficiently, and we have smooth communication as their approach is very practical and they immediately spot the critical parts of a case. They do great work.’

‘We work with Hristina Dzhevlekova and Anna Rizova – they are both very good lawyers and I would 100% recommend them. Hristina is our main contact and we have nothing but praise for her legal expertise, responsiveness and judgement. Dialogue with her is easy and constructive and we feel very comfortable working with her. Anna monitors the team closely and supports them with her great business knowledge and strategic thinking. They also have an in-depth understanding of the local market and its specifics.’

Key clients

Intuitive Surgical


STS Medical


Eli Lilly Romania


DuPont de Nemours


Celgene International


Work highlights


  • Assisted Intuitive with the set-up of its operations in Bulgaria.
  • Supported Merck with the implementation of an internal restructuring project separating the global business of Merck into two divisions – Organon and MSD.
  • Advised and coordinated the merger notification proceedings in North Macedonia in relation to the merger between DuPont de Nemours and Rogers Corporation.