Offering expertise on regulatory compliance, M&A deals in the life sciences space, sanctions and export controls, and the legal implications of clinical trials, Hogan Lovells International LLP provides a comprehensive service for clients in the Chinese market. The team is jointly led by Roy Zou, who is highly experienced in U.S. litigation matters involving Chinese companies or government agencies as respondents or defendants, and cross-border transactional and financing expert Lu Zhou. The regulatory compliance focussed Calvin Ding, who is experienced in both government sanctioned and internal compliance investigations, is also key, as is life sciences and healthcare sector antitrust expert Adrian Emch. Jessie Xie, who specialises in medical device and pharmaceutical clinical trials and product approval issues, is also well-recommended.
Life sciences and healthcare: foreign firms in China
Hogan Lovells International LLP
Practice head(s):
Roy Zou; Lu Zhou
Other key lawyers:
Calvin Ding; Adrian Emch; Jessie Xie
Key clients
Merck & Co. Inc.
Work highlights
- Advising Merck & Co., Inc. in connection with cross border litigation concerning rights in the MERCK trademark and trade name.
Ropes & Gray LLP
Representing a number of global biopharmaceutical and medical device companies and consistently handling major deals in the Chinese healthcare and life sciences market, Ropes & Gray LLP deservedly retains its place at the apex of this market. Practice head and Asia regional managing partner Arthur Mok has a wealth of experience in the field and is particularly recommended for advice on acquisitions and commercial agreements in the immunology space. Regulatory, compliance and enforcement expert Katherine Wang and healthcare IP specialist Geoffrey Lin are also integral. Eric Wu, who has first-hand industry experience having worked in-house for Johnson & Johnson, is another name to note.
Practice head(s):
Arthur Mok
Other key lawyers:
Katherine Wang; Geoffrey Lin; Eric Wu
Key clients
Everest Medicines
LianBio
Pediatrix Therapeutics
Tianjin Adicon Limited
Luca Healthcare
Bain Capital Life Sciences/Bain Capital Private Equity
HUTCHMED
Zenas BioPharma
MediBoston
Work highlights
- Advising Everest Medicines on a commercial agreement with Accelerate Technologies for COVID-19 products and with Gilead Sciences for the development of cancer drug, Trodelvy.
- Representing Pediatrix Therapeutics in a license agreement with Aclaris Therapeutics, Inc., a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel drug candidates for immuno-inflammatory diseases in Greater China.
- Advised HUTCHMED on its license to Takeda to develop and commercialize Fruquintinib outside China for a total of US$ 1.13 billion, plus royalties and net sales.
Baker McKenzie FenXun
Baker McKenzie FenXun is recommended for its first-hand industry experience, with a number of team members holding PhDs in medical-related fields including molecular biology, biotechnology, pharmacology and nursing. The practice chiefly assists with compliance matters in the healthcare and life sciences space, as well as advising on acquisitions in China by international companies in the sector. The team is mainly Hong Kong based, with Isabella Liu, Tracy Wut, Derek Poon, Grace Tso and Mini vandePol the key names there. Dispute resolution matters are handled by Simon Hui in Shanghai, while Vivian Wu from the firm’s joint operation partner, FenXun Partners, works on healthcare sector trade compliance from Beijing.
Practice head(s):
Isabella Liu; Tracy Wut; Simon Hui; Derek Poon; Grace Tso; Mini van de Pol; Vivian Wu
Testimonials
‘Baker McKenzie is a full-service law firm with multiple offices globally, including China. There is access to advice from offices in different markets for similar topics to ensure consistency at global and/or regional level.’
‘Vivian Wu has deep expertise in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries. She is able to quickly grasp the issues and provides practical advice for complex topics. She has high proficiency in the English language, both spoken and written, which makes it easy for non-Mandarin speaking clients to discuss the matters with her.’
Key clients
BeiGene. Inc.
Smith & Nephew
Boston Scientific Corporation
A global veterinary health organisation
Bain Capital
Johnson & Johnson
Sino Biopharmaceutical
Work highlights
- Advised BeiGene Inc. on various commercial and intellectual property matters to ensure compliance with the updated HKAPI Code of Practice and other applicable laws and regulations in Hong Kong and Macau.
- Advised Smith & Nephew on promotion and marketing of their advanced wound-care products to ensure compliance with the relevant Hong Kong laws and with regulations applicable to different media.
- Advised Boston Scientific Corporation in the acquisition of 65% in Acotec Scientific Holdings Limited through a voluntary conditional partial cash offer.
CMS
Under the joint leadership of managing partner Nicholas Beckett – who divides his time between the Beijing and Hong Kong offices – and Shanghai based life sciences sector IP specialist Nicolas Zhu, CMS acts for a range of well known pharmaceutical companies as well as educational institutions such as UCL. The firm provides corporate services to this client base, alongside regulatory compliance support and representation in disputes and arbitrations. Associates Roxie Meng, a foreign direct investment expert, and the M&A and commercial deals focussed Laila Lu are among the key names to note. Clients describe the firm as 'at the forefront of thought leadership, particularly at the intersection of health and technology'.
Practice head(s):
Nick Beckett; Nicolas Zhu
Other key lawyers:
Roxie Meng; Laila Lu
Testimonials
‘CMS has a formidable reputation in the health and life sciences space. Its lawyers have excellent industry and legal knowledge and are at the forefront of thought leadership, particularly at the intersection of health and technology. The team is highly engaged and responsive, and it is a pleasure to deal with them.’
‘Nick Beckett deserves a special mention as an outstanding lawyer and leader. He is highly collegiate, generous with his time, takes the time to deeply understand client concerns and works collaborative to resolve problems. He is an absolute pleasure to work with.’
Key clients
Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
The Wellcome Trust
UCL
GlaxoSmithKline
Tasly Holding Group Co.,Ltd
Bayer
Medtronic
Eli Lilly
Novartis
Nestlé
Work highlights
Cooley LLP
Cooley LLP is highly recommended for its overseeing of transactional work in the biopharmaceuticals space, regularly assisting Chinese companies in their operations and commercial deals abroad. Central to the team is Yuming Liu, who specialises in private financings, M&A, joint ventures, and corporate partnering and licensing in the life sciences, healthcare, and technology sectors. Christina Zhang is also integral; an expert in cross border financings who counts a number of innovative companies in the life sciences space among her clients. Further key names include Patrick Loofbourrow, who specialises in work for emerging companies in the medical field, and the public-private mergers-focused Ruomu Li, who joined from Morrison Foerster in December 2022.
Other key lawyers:
Christina Zhang; Patrick Loofbourrow; Yiming Liu; Ruomu Li
Key clients
Asymchem Laboratories
Eight Roads Capital
Full-Life Technologies
IASO Biotherapeutics
Jacobio Pharmaceuticals
Lilly Asia Ventures
Lupeng Pharmaceutical
NeuExcell Therapeutics
Pulnovo Medical
Structure Therapeutics
Summit Healthcare Acquisition Corp.
TandemAi
Wondercel Therapeutics
Zai Lab Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Summit Healthcare Acquisition Corp. on its de-SPAC transaction with Yisehng Bio, which valued YS Biopharma at an implied enterprise value of US$849 million and delivered approximately US$36 million of gross proceeds.
- Advised Zion Biopharma on Roche’s acquisition of the global rights to Zion’s ZN-A-1041.
- Advised Zai Lab, a research-based biopharmaceutical company based in China and the U.S., on its deal to obtain from MediLink the exclusive and worldwide license to develop, manufacture and commercialize an antibody-drug conjugate compound targeting DLL3.
Morrison Foerster
Morrison Foerster is recommended for experience in advising both multinational clients and PRC state owned enterprises in the healthcare and life sciences space. The firm has a strong record in advising on collaboration and licensing agreements for the commercial sale of medical drugs, as well as investment funds work for start-ups and private equity funds in the area of biomedicine. The team is led by Chuan Sun, who is located in Shanghai and offers expertise in both transactional work and legal advice pertaining to clinical trials, alongside the Hong Kong based duo of Thomas Chou and Gordon Milner. B. Chen Zhu and associate Sarah Wang are also key. Ruomu Li left the firm, joining Cooley LLP in December 2022.
Practice head(s):
Chuan Sun; Thomas Chou; Gordon Milner
Other key lawyers:
B. Chen Zhu; Sarah Wang
Testimonials
‘With significant and long-term industry experience in the field of life sciences and healthcare, as well as outstanding achievements in overseas private equity financing, the team is stable and provides continuous legal support to clients.’
‘Chuan Sun is a veteran in the industry and is personally on the front line to provide continuous and efficient legal services to clients.’
Key clients
Ally Bridge Group
CBC Group
Jamieson Laboratories Ltd
Hangzhou DAC Biotechnology Co., Ltd.
Celadon Partners
Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine Co., Ltd.
Chugai Pharmaceutical
Triastek
Work highlights
- Advised Hangzhou DAC Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (“DAC Biotechnology”) on its collaboration and license agreement with Janssen Biotech, Inc., one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson (“Janssen”) for the development and commercialization of antibody drug conjugate (ADC) products.
- Represented Ally Bridge Group in various growth, late stage and public life sciences investments across the US and Europe worth approximately US$700 million, including the US$101 million Series B financing of Endeavor BioMedicines and the US$200 million Series C investment of Transcarent.
- Advised Jamieson Laboratories and its parent company Jamieson Wellness Inc. on their partnership with leading international private equity firm DCP Capital, which included DCP’s purchase of a minority interest in Jamieson’s Chinese operations.
Sidley Austin LLP
Sidley Austin LLP provides a holistic life sciences offering, covering representation in major arbitrations, compliance and cybersecurity advice and assistance with innovative financings such as the royalty backed and hybrid financings the firm has overseen on behalf of RBF. Clients note the firm’s understanding of ‘China’s unique environment‘. The team is jointly led by Lei Li, a product registration, clinical trials, distribution and licensing expert, and Chen Yang, a China market entrance specialist who also has significant experience in assisting PRC government agencies with litigation in the US. Ruchun Ji, who works on cross-border licensing agreements and private equity transactions, is a further name to note.
Practice head(s):
Lei Li; Chen Yang
Other key lawyers:
Ruchun Ji
Testimonials
‘Sidley Austin’s life science team has many years of practical experience in China’s medical industry. Their legal support is not only professional, but also very pragmatic and considers China’s unique environment.’
‘Li Lei has rich experience in anti-monopoly, anti-commercial bribery and related investigations.’
Key clients
China Association of Enterprise with Foreign Investment R&D-Based Pharmaceutical Association Committee (RDPAC)
R-Bridge Healthcare Fund, managed by CBC Group
NeuroFront Therapeutics (Hong Kong) Limited
Rona Therapeutics, Inc.
I-Mab Biopharma Co., Ltd.
Keymed Biosciences
MicroPort NeuroTech
Genuine Biotech Limited
Qyuns Therapeutics Co., Ltd.
Akeso, Inc.
Work highlights
- Advising RDPAC on revising its Code of Practice, with the revised code being brought in during March 2023.
- Represented I-Mab Biopharma Co., Ltd. (I-Mab) in a multi-year-long ICC arbitration against Tracon Pharmaceuticals concerning antibodies to be used in cancer treatment.
- Advised R-Bridge Healthcare Fund (RBF), a fund managed by healthcare-dedicated asset management firm CBC Group, on two biopharma and healthcare financings, including one royalty-backed financing.
Bird & Bird
Bird & Bird, which has a strong track record for advising clients in the biotech space, is recommended for its expertise in advising on the digital aspects of the healthcare and life sciences sector, as well as providing employment and IP filings support. The team is led by Hong Kong based Alison Wong, who has experience in patent litigation, licensing matters and the legal implications of clinical trials. James Gong, who works at the firm’s Beijing office, provides expertise on Chinese data protection and security laws for medical industry clients.
Practice head(s):
Alison Wong
Other key lawyers:
James Gong
Testimonials
‘In the fields of anti-corruption compliance, digital compliance and personal privacy, and labour, the law firm has provided strong training guidance for the company.’
‘The work efficiency is high and the service price is reasonable. They have strong legal experience and business insight, and are capable of providing practical advice.’
Key clients
Edwards Lifesciences
Merck KGaA
Hong Kong Centre for Cerebro-cardiovascular Health
Engineering Limited (“HKCOCHE”)
ALK-Abelló A/S
Stryker Pacific Ltd.
Work highlights
DLA Piper
DLA Piper offers particular strength in M&A and corporate work in the PRC life sciences market, with experience in providing assistance both for financial services investors and for research companies operating in China. The team is led jointly by regulatory and IP specialist Ting Xiao, located at the Shanghai office, and the Hong Kong-based Sammy Fang. Private equity investment and corporate finance specialist Qiang Li, also based in Shanghai, is also key, as is the Hong Kong-based Christine Liu, who focuses on internal compliance and conduct investigations.
Practice head(s):
Sammy Fang; Ting Xiao
Other key lawyers:
Qiang Li; Christine Liu
Key clients
Aesthetic Medical International Holding Group Limited
Arlington Capital Partners
Blue Ocean Structure Investment Company Ltd.
Charles River Laboratories
Work highlights
- Represented Blue Ocean Structure Investment Company Ltd., as majority shareholder of the New York-listed Global Cord Blood Corporation, in its attempt through proxy contest to control the board of directors of Global Cord.
- Advised Arlington Capital Partners and Everest Clinical Research on its acquisition of U.S. based Brightech International.
- Advised Xeltis AG, a medical device company based in the Netherlands, on its strategic cooperation agreement pertaining to an equity investment and a technology license with Hong Kong listed Grand Pharmaceutical Group Limited and its subsidiaries (Grand Pharma).
Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP
Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP is recommended for guiding clients through research, development, and regulatory approval. The firm is also strong in financing work, as well as structuring licensing and collaboration agreements in innovative areas such as cancer treatment. Todd Liao is the key name to note in Shanghai, with a strong record in acting for biotechnology and medical device companies from both the US and the PRC. Employment practice head Lesli Ligorner, also based in Shanghai, provides key input to the life sciences practice by offering misconduct and corruption investigations capability. Hong Kong based lawyers Maurice Hoo and Ning Zhang support.
Practice head(s):
Todd Liao; Lesli Ligorner; Ning Zhang; Maurice Hoo
Testimonials
Key clients
Gilead Corp.
GIC
CMG-SDIC Capital
Frontage Holdings Corp.
Synaptic Medical Ltd.
IDG Capital
Hillhouse Capital
Matrix China
Sequoia Capital
Lake Bleu
B Capital
AffaMed Therapeutics
Merck
China Everbright
Eight Roads Fund
Shanghai Duoning
UIB Heathcare
Work highlights
O'Melveny
O'Melveny specialises in bringing life sciences and biotech companies in China to the public markets in Hong Kong and the United States, assisting them with capital markets, M&A, FDI, IP, licensing, private equity and venture capital transactions. The firm acts for clients in this sector from across China’s major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Nanjing. Practice head Ke Geng is an expert advisor on biotech and medical device IPOs, who also has direct industry knowledge through holding a biochemistry PhD.
Practice head(s):
Ke Geng
Testimonials
‘Significant and long-term industry experience in the field of life sciences and healthcare capital markets. The team is stable and provides continuous legal support to clients.’
‘Ke Geng is professional, efficient and experienced.’
Key clients
Luzhu Biotech
Acotec Scientific Holdings
Beauty Farm
Cryofocus Medtech (Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
OrbusNeich
Sipai Health Technology Co., Ltd.
3D Medicines Inc.
Gaush Meditech
Jenscare Scientific
Rainmed Medical
Belite Bio
Genecast Group Inc.
RemeGen Co., Ltd.
Shanghai NewMed Medical Co., Ltd
CICC
TransThera Sciences (Nanjing), Inc.
Scivita Medical
Pharmaron Beijing Co., Limited
Work highlights
- Advised Luzhu Biotech on its Hong Kong IPO.
- Advised Acotec Scientific Holdings Limited on a voluntary partial offer by Boston Scientific Group plc.
- Advised RemeGen Co., Ltd. on listing its A-Shares on the Board of Shanghai Stock Exchange.
Paul Hastings LLP
Paul Hastings LLP offers significant strength in corporate transactional and investment funds work in the life sciences space, with the firm assisting both US and Shanghai based biotech and pharmaceutical companies in this capacity. The firm also offers expertise in carrying out compliance reviews to reduce anticorruption risks. The team is led jointly by investigations specialists Phoebe Yan and Shaun Wu, corporate and M&A lawyer Jia Yan and the Hong Kong based Sarah Zhu.
Practice head(s):
Phoebe Yan; Sarah Zhu; Shaun Wu; Jia Yan
Key clients
Shanghai Fosun Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
GenScript Biotech Corporation
Probio Technology
Chindex Medical Limited
Bain Gamma
Mega Genomics Limited
Work highlights
- Represented GenScript Biotech, an industry-leading US-based biotechnology company focused on gene synthesis technology and its indirect wholly owned subsidiary Probio Technology, on a Series C financing.
- Represented Bain Gamma to successfully close its Series A financing.
- Advised Mega Genomics Limited, the largest consumer genetic testing platform in China, on its global offering and IPO on the Main Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati
Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati is well-known for its niche as a start-up capital markets firm, but it has particular strength in providing such services for life sciences and healthcare sector clients. The firm handles a high volume of fundraising and acquisitions work in the PRC market, both for innovative Chinese companies in the process of growth and foreign companies - such as Australian medical device manufacture Wallaby Medical - aiming to expand their presence and partnerships in China. Dan Ouyang and Can Yin are the key names to note in Beijing. Jie Zhu leads the Shanghai branch of the practice, while Winfield Lau and Weiheng Chen support from Hong Kong.
Practice head(s):
Dan Ouyang; Weiheng Chen; Winfield Lau; Jie Zhu; Can Yin
Key clients
Citigroup Global Markets
China International Capital Corporation
Fenbi Ltd.
Lepu ScienTech Medical Technology
QuantaSing Group Limited
YishengBio Co., Ltd
TechStar Acquisition Corporation
Huafang Group Inc.
PU’ER LANCANG ANCIENT TEA CO., LTD.
Baijiayun Group Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised LEPU ScienTech Medical Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. on its USD83.4 million Hong Kong IPO.
- Advised YishengBio Co., Ltd on its USD230 million de-SPAC on Nasdaq.
- Advised Wallaby Medical in the EUR500 million acquisition of phenox GmbH, including phenox’s femtos GmbH.