Firms To Watch: Life sciences and healthcare

Led by Paul Williams, the team at Lewis Silkin assists health insurance, biologics and small molecule, and medical device companies with data protection, supply and distribution agreements, and employment issues. Williams regularly acts in European patent oppositions, and provides clients with validity opinions.

Life sciences and healthcare in London

Allen & Overy LLP

The ‘excellent‘ team at Allen & Overy LLP assists a diverse range of companies across the biotech, medical device, and consumer healthcare industries on the full gamut of contentious and non-contentious issues. The group often dispenses advice on capital markets issues, and licensing and collaboration agreements. Jim Ford and Matthew Appleton jointly lead the practice; Ford has deep knowledge spanning product distribution agreements, patent licensing, and product development collaborations, while Appleton leads on the transactional side of the practice, often advising large pharmaceuticals companies on public takeovers and private M&A. Praised for her ‘vast amounts of experience‘, patent litigator Marjan Noor has expansive expertise in supplementary protection certificates and the enforcement of strategies. Rafi Allos has ‘great knowledge‘ and regulatory expertise, often acting in disputes concerning generics.

Practice head(s):

Jim Ford; Matthew Appleton


Other key lawyers:

Marjan Noor; Rafi Allos; Mark Ridgway; Tom Edwards


Testimonials

‘Jim Ford has a practical approach to problem solving.’

‘Allen & Overy London is one of the top practices in the UK Life sciences and healthcare patent litigation market. The size and breadth of the team is excellent, particularly the quality of the talent.’

‘Marjan Noor has a technical background and is one of the most experienced lawyers in the UK for patent litigation and regulatory issues, particularly in the biologics cases.’

Key clients

Kyowa Kirin International


Exscientia


Shionogi


Bayer


Regeneron


Work highlights


  • Advised Kyowa Kirin International on its joint venture collaboration with Grünenthal in respect of KKI’s established medicines portfolio.
  • Advised Bayer on the enforcement and defence of its patents across Europe protecting its product, Xarelto, a blood thinner.
  • Advised Exscientia on a research collaboration and licence agreement to develop up to 15 novel small molecule candidates across oncology and immunology, leveraging Exscientia’s AI-driven platform utilising actual patient samples.

Bird & Bird LLP

The team at Bird & Bird LLP handles issues surrounding the classification of medical devices, clinical trials, and advertising with ‘outstanding‘ expertise. Regularly acting for biotech and pharmaceutical companies, the team is noted for advising both generic and innovator clients. Mark Hilton co-heads the practice with Sally Shorthose. Praised for his ‘practicality and thoroughness‘, Hilton has vast experience in patent revocation and infringement proceedings, while Shorthose has broad commercial knowledge, particularly in relation to series investments. The ‘excellentJames Baillieu is noted for his experience in assisting corporate venture capital groups with regulatory and technology related matters. Trevor Cook joined the group from Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP in October 2022, contributing his knowledge of pharmaceutical and biotech infringement issues.

Practice head(s):

Mark Hilton; Sally Shorthose


Other key lawyers:

James Baillieu; Eleanor Root; Pieter Erasmus; Trevor Cook


Testimonials

‘Excellent depth of expertise, good geographical coverage, highly responsive.’

‘Excellent technical abilities, commercial, highly responsive, good client care.’

‘James Baillieu is excellent, very commercial, and pro-active, bringing an assured confidence and calmness to the table.’

‘Their level of IP expertise is outstanding. Their speed attending client’s queries and focus on business needs is really impressive.’

‘Mark Hilton’s approach to IP issues stands for its practicality and thoroughness. He understands the business needs and focus on them when addressing any IP issues.’

‘Good legal and industry knowledge and give practical advice’

‘Eleanor Root provides very good, practical, commercial advice.’

Key clients

Dexcom Group


Gilead Sciences


Teva Pharmaceuticals


The Broad Institute


Merck KGaA


Danaher Group


Catalyst Clinical Research LL


Serum Institute of India


Eye-Chitecture, Inc


Precision Medicine


Work highlights


  • Acted for Gilead in patent revocation and infringement proceedings against NuCana PLC over patents concerning the drug sofosbuvir. The patents were owned by NuCana and were asserted to cover the Gilead products.
  • Advised Envision Pharma Group on its acquisition of OKRA.ai, an award-winning technology company active in the provision of artificial intelligence solutions for the healthcare industry.
  • Advising Teva in regulatory litigation in relation to defending the grant of a Belgian medicinal product marketing authorisation, which is being challenged in the Belgian courts.

Bristows LLP

Bristows LLP houses a ‘truly exceptional‘ practice which assists clients with the full gamut of commercial, regulatory and IP-related issues. Liz Cohen co-leads the team with Richard Dickinson; Cohen has longstanding expertise in multi-jurisdictional litigation concerning patent revocations, and arbitrations, and Dickinson has in-depth knowledge of biochemistry, often assisting pharmaceutical companies with licensing and manufacturing agreements. Using her in-house experience in the medical device industry, Claire Smith has deep knowledge of licensing and commercial partnership agreements. Brian Cordery ‘goes above and beyond‘ when acting in contentious IP issues, including patent revocation and defence work, while Robert Burrows utilises his knowledge of molecular biology to advise clients on patent validity challenges. Matthew Warren is noted for his commercial expertise, often handling settlements and license agreements, and Marek Petecki regularly assists biopharma corporates and venture capital investors with transactional matters. Alex Denoon has ‘excellent regulatory knowledge‘, often advising disruptive technology clients on human tissue and genomics issues.

Practice head(s):

Liz Cohen; Richard Dickinson


Other key lawyers:

Brian Cordery; Robert Burrows; Marek Petecki; Claire Smith; Matthew Warren; Alex Denoon; Xisca Borrás


Testimonials

‘Strength in depth. Everyone at Bristows provides a consistently high level of service. They are well grounded in the principles of IP law, and they are highly experienced in running litigation. Everyone is willing to muck in and work as hard as it takes to get the job done.’

‘Brian Cordery goes above and beyond to ensure good outcomes for his clients. His work ethic is second to none.’

‘Liz Cohen is understated and calm but really knows her stuff and has very sound judgment.’

‘The Bristows Life Science team is truly exceptional and delivers high quality legal work thanks to their knowledge of the law, the industry and their technical skills.’

‘Excellent regulatory knowledge from Alex Denoon. He always provides an excellent service.’

‘Great, knowledgeable, and very personable lawyers. Pragmatic and business focused advice. Very strong pharma, biotech industry, life sciences sector knowledge.’

‘Xisca Borrás and Alex Denoon are both standout lawyers. Really innovative thinkers looking for new ways to connect with and understand client needs better.’

Key clients

AstraZeneca


SynaptixBio Ltd


Abingdon Health Plc


Johnson & Johnson


Novartis


Sandoz


Teva


Chiesei


OMass Therapeutics Limited


Medtronic


Hogan Lovells International LLP

The ‘very strong‘ team at Hogan Lovells International LLP assists a varied client base consisting of healthcare, medical device, and pharmaceutical companies with bet-the-company cases and large licensing transactions. Practice co-head Jane Summerfield has vast regulatory expertise spanning clinical trials to reimbursement issues, with particular emphasis on gene therapies and digital health software. Described as ‘Mr. Realistic‘ by clients, patent litigator and co-head Stephen Bennett regularly assists clients with the defence of patents and supplementary certificate rights, while co-head Matthew Felwick is ‘very technical‘ and has deep knowledge surrounding product liability, often acting in group actions and coroner’s inquests. Rated by clients as ‘one of the best life science lawyers in the industry‘, Penny Powell has extensive expertise in M&A and partnering transactions, and counsel Elise Martin is noted for her experience in assisting clients with international regulation and commercial disputes. Having been promoted to partner in January 2023, Stella Wong utilises her medical background to act in disputes concerning biotec, pharmaceutical, and medical device patents.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Bennett; Matthew Felwick; Jane Summerfield


Other key lawyers:

Penny Powell; Elise Martin; Daniel Brook; Stella Wong


Testimonials

‘A really good life sciences team.’

‘Penny Powell is brilliant and one of the best life science lawyers in the industry. Her deep knowledge of the industry and her ability to cut through to the essence of any situation makes her an unparalleled asset.’

‘Stephen Bennett is Mr. Realistic. Tough, honest, and he won’t lead you up the garden path.’

‘Stephen Bennett, Dan Brook, and Stella Wong are very strong.’

‘Very strong team at all levels. Lots of experience.’

‘Daniel Brook is Mr. Genius. No thought unthunk, idea bypassed or strategy unconsidered.’

‘Massive industry knowledge, flawless team interaction.’

‘Matthew Felwick is very technical and has great communication skills.’

Key clients

Sandoz AG


Harmony Biosciences, LLC


Novartis AG


Eli Lilly (Lilly)


Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS)


Akebia Therapeutics


Merck


Astellas Pharmaceuticals


Viatris


Zimmer Biomet


Work highlights


  • Advising Harmony Biosciences on a license with Bioprojet SCR granting Harmony the exclusive US development and marketing rights to expand Harmony’s opportunity in narcolepsy, and potentially other indications mutually agreed to by the parties.
  • Representing Eli Lilly in the long-running dispute relating to its cancer drug, pemetrexed.
  • Acting for Zimmer Biomet and various European subsidiaries in relation to a voluntary recall, concerning Zimmer Biomet’s NexGen Stemmed Option Tibial prosthetic knee component, and coordinating the defence of personal injury claims, including a threatened group action, across a number of European jurisdictions.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Clare Tunstall and Joanne Ellis lead the team at Pinsent Masons LLP, which displays ‘excellent breadth and depth of knowledge‘ when advising clients on market access, M&A, and care home lease arrangements. Tunstall is particularly knowledgeable when it comes to formulating multi-jurisdictional patent strategies for pharmaceutical companies, while Ellis focuses on assisting clients with transactional issues within the dental and social care industries. Charlotte Weekes regularly appears before the High Court and Court of Appeal in patent disputes and damages actions, acting for biosimilar and generics clients. Allistair Booth is noted for his transactional capabilities, particularly in relation to licensing and collaborations; the ‘very accomplished and impressiveGareth Morgan maintains an IP-focused practice, often handling revocation, validity, and infringement issues; and Christopher Sharp has ‘excellent‘ broad experience in obtaining preliminary injunctions and divisional patents. Catherine Drew often represents global pharmaceutical companies in patent disputes concerning exclusivity and medicinal products. Kristina Cornish joined the team from Kilburn & Strode LLP in January 2023, contributing her specialism in biotech and pharmaceutical patent issues.

Practice head(s):

Clare Tunstall; Joanne Ellis


Other key lawyers:

Gareth Morgan; Charlotte Weekes; Allistair Booth; Charles Waddell; Catherine Drew; Kristina Cornish; Christopher Sharp


Testimonials

‘Pinsent Masons is a very capable firm across a broad range of matters but they also excel in the detail too. They are also the kind of people you want to work with, bringing personality to work every day.’

‘This practice is unique because they have deep, demonstrable knowledge and insight in the actual detail of life science and healthcare.’

‘Gareth Morgan is a very accomplished and impressive partner.’

Key clients

4D Pharma PLC


Accord Healthcare Limited


Amo Pharma Limited


ANGLE plc


British Generic Manufacturers Association


C4X Discovery PLC


Calon Cardio-Technology


Conegate Limited and Premium Care Group


Cosmo Pharmaceuticals NV


DCC Healthcare


Dedicare AB


Elevation Advisors


embla ApS


Evgen PLC


Exemplar Healthcare


F2G Limited


Flynn Pharma Limited


Fresenius Kabi SwissBioSim GmbH


Genesis Biosciences Inc


HC-One


Her Majesty’s Government


Hikma


IBSA Institut Biochimique


Imcyse S.A.


Intas Pharmaceuticals


IP Group PLC


Karus Therapeutics Limited


Keys Group Holdings Limited


Work highlights


  • Instructed by the Department of Health and Social Care and the Government Legal Department in relation to the UK Covid-19 Public Inquiry.
  • Acting for DeepMind and Google in relation to a class action relating to use of medical records to support Streams – a service used by the Royal Free London to detect acute kidney injury.
  • Acting for Teva in relation to patent revocation proceedings pertaining to Gilenya (fingolimod).

Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie houses a team of ‘excellent lawyers‘ with extensive industry and academic experience. The practice is noted for its transactional strength, often handling separations, licensing matters, and collaboration agreements with hospitals. Hiroshi Sheraton leads the team alongside the ‘excellentJane Hobson; Hobson focuses on corporate and transactional matters, with an emphasis on private M&A, while Sheraton primarily handles global patent and trade mark disputes. The ‘truly exceptionalJaspreet Takhar has vast expertise in the regulatory aspects of emerging digital healthcare solutions, and frequently assists clients with compliance in conjunction with medical research and data privacy issues. Phelim O’Doherty is noted for his knowledge of joint ventures and licensing arrangements between healthcare companies.

Practice head(s):

Hiroshi Sheraton; Jane Hobson


Other key lawyers:

Jaspreet Takhar; Phelim O’Doherty


Testimonials

‘Very diverse team with global reach which is well coordinated. They develop a good understanding of the business. The project management team are also very strong.’

‘Jane Hobson is an excellent lawyer.’

‘Phelim O’Doherty has a very good overview of international elements of a deal, and thoroughly understands the detail.’

Key clients

GSK


ICON plc


Johnson & Johnson


Lyra Health


Thriva Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised GlaxoSmithKline on the strategic separation of HALEON from the new GSK pharmaceutical business.
  • Advising Johnson & Johnson on the separation of its consumer healthcare division in anticipation of its listing.
  • Advising Thriva on the implementation of a new service line for business partners.

Clifford Chance LLP

The ‘absolutely stellar‘ team at Clifford Chance LLP acts for a varied client list of medical device, healthcare, and biotech companies in matters concerning reimbursement, market access, and licensing. Practice co-head Stephen Reese handles both contentious and non-contentious IP issues, including the exploitation and enforcement of rights, and R&D agreements. Co-head Gareth Camp maintains a corporate focused practice, often assisting clients with public bids, joint ventures, and group restructurings. Noted by clients for his ‘formidable knowledge and skill set‘, Luke Tolaini primarily advises generics companies on excessive pricing investigations, in addition to appeals concerning CMA decisions, supported by ‘fantastic‘ senior associate Ben Jasper.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Reese; Gareth Camp


Other key lawyers:

Luke Tolaini; Ben Jasper


Testimonials

‘Clifford Chance’s Healthcare & Life Science’s team is absolutely stellar. It is second to none in terms of the depth of its knowledge and has the extraordinary advantage of being able to cover absolutely every aspect of a case for its clients, no matter what the issue that arises. Clifford Chance is a one-stop-shop like no other in London; and that is invaluable.’

‘Luke Tolaini is absolutely superb. He is a delight to work with and wears his formidable knowledge and skill set lightly and with elegance. Absolutely the sort of fantastic solicitor one wants on one’s side in a dispute.’

‘Ben Jasper is wonderful. He cuts to the chase, identifies the important points, fights hard and delivers for his client. He is also a delight to work with, being collaborative, supportive, informed and available. He really is fantastic.’

‘The litigation team are very experienced in defending these types of cases and work very well with specialist advisory lawyers.’

‘Luke Tolaini is a great lawyer with a great feel for what points really matter, how things will play out, and how to deal with very demanding high stakes cases.’

‘Ben Jasper is an up and coming star of the litigation team, meticulous, can always be relied upon to have gone the extra mile, and always a complete pleasure to deal with even in the midst of very demanding stressful cases.’

Key clients

Her Majesty’s Government


Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy


Cinven


Pfizer


Gilead Sciences


Informa


NorthWest Healthcare Properties REIT


Ultrahuman Healthcare Private Limited


Oracle Corporation


MedAccess


Fujifilm Kyowa Kirin Biologics


Work highlights


  • Advised Pfizer Inc. on its acquisition of ReViral Limited.
  • Advising HMG as part of its collaboration with Moderna to procure the development, manufacturing and supply of mRNA vaccines and therapeutics to the UK population for the treatment of COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases (including influenza and respiratory syncytial virus).
  • Advising Cinven on three separate high-profile appeals before the CAT against CMA Decisions for the alleged antitrust infringements of a former portfolio company active in generic pharmaceuticals, now named Advanz. The firm also advised on a fourth investigation in relation to an alleged market sharing arrangement for the supply of 50mg and 100mg nitrofurantoin capsules, which the CMA closed.

CMS

CMS houses an ‘exceptional‘ team, which handles a myriad of issues for clients, including clinical trials, financings, and care delivery within senior living and social care settings. Practice co-head Candice Blackwood‘s area of expertise is advising health operators and investors on development funding work and the management of senior living and healthcare assets. Co-head Sarah Hanson has a great deal of experience in acting for technology and pharmaceutical companies in transactional matters, while co-head Robert Stephen focuses on patent protection issues surrounding vaccines, antibody production, and microbiome technology. Shuna Mason is particularly proficient in advising clients on regulatory and product liability matters, often handling policy work for trade bodies. Rachel Cooper has broad regulatory expertise, often acting for healthcare professionals in disciplinary hearings and coroner’s inquest proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Candice Blackwood; Sarah Hanson; Robert Stephen


Other key lawyers:

Shuna Mason; Rachel Cooper; Elizabeth-Anne Larsen


Testimonials

‘Always responsive, extremely well informed, and pragmatic.’

‘The team is exceptional, they are commercial, sensible, responsive, and available.’

Key clients

Alliance Pharmaceuticals


Advanz Pharma


Beckley Psytech


Care UK


Cera Care


Eli Lilly


Essential Pharmaceuticals


General Pharmaceutical Council


GlaxoSmithKline


Jazz Pharmaceuticals


Johnson & Johnson


Korian S.A


Medtronic


Moorfields Eye Hospital


Nuffield Health


Sanofi


Spire Healthcare


The Wellcome Trust


Thermo Fisher Scientific


Welltower Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advised Instadeep on its sale to BioNTech. The transaction is valued at approximately £362m.
  • Advised Moorfields Eye Hospital on a new hospital to be built under the new hospitals programme in Kings Cross London. As well as acting on the sale of the existing Victorian Hospital and the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, creating the joint venture between MEH and UCL, the firm provided real estate, planning, development, and construction advice and corporate, tax, procurement, regulatory and risk management advice.
  • Advising Alliance Pharma PLC on its appeal to the CAT, following the CMA’s enforcement decision in its investigation into the supply of Prochlorperazine, a medication used for treating nausea.

Cooley (UK) LLP

The team at Cooley (UK) LLP is known for its ‘deep industry knowledge‘ and ‘unparalleled experience‘ in matters concerning clinical trials and manufacturing issues, and acts for a number of notable clients, including Hummingbird, Athenex, and Biograil. Nicola Maguire jointly leads the practice with John Wilkinson; Maguire assists a number of large bioscience and pharmaceutical companies with M&A and equity funding, while Wilkinson advises medtech companies on research collaborations and the purchase of vaccines. Frances Stocks Allen has broad expertise in acting for both public and private companies on supply arrangements, co-promotional issues and collaboration agreements.

Practice head(s):

Nicola Maguire; John Wilkinson


Other key lawyers:

Frances Stocks Allen


Testimonials

‘Excellent team with a focused commercial mind and deep industry knowledge. One of the best in the area with unparalleled experience.’

Key clients

DJS Antibodies


Curve


Hummingbird


The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society


Karo


Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation (CEPI)


Orchard Therapeutics


Biograil


Bavarian Nordic


Zealand Pharma


Bicycle Therapeutics


Quell Therapeutics


Emergex Vaccines


23andMe


Ascend Gene and Cell Therapies


Athenex


Cidara


Work highlights


  • Advised DJS Antibodies Ltd on its proposed licensing of its technology and subsequent acquisition for $255m.
  • Advised Amryt Pharma on its agreement to be acquired by Chiesi Farmaceutici in a $1.48bn cash and contingent value right (CVR) transaction.

Covington & Burling LLP

The broad team at Covington & Burling LLP handles a variety of issues for a diverse client base, notably including commercial transactions, the navigation of public policy after Brexit, and judicial review proceedings before the CJEU. Grant Castle heads up the practice, and has broad knowledge spanning treatment pricing agreements, trade issues, and NICE appeals relating to NHS funding. On the digital health front, Sarah Cowlishaw assists biotech, diagnostic and medical device companies on adverse event reporting obligations and manufacturing controls, while James Gubbins maintains a corporate-focused practice, often dispensing advice on IPOs, M&A, and financings.

Practice head(s):

Grant Castle


Other key lawyers:

Sarah Cowlishaw; James Gubbins; Brian Kelly


Key clients

AMGEN


AbbVie


AstraZeneca


BioNTech SE


BenevolentAI


Bristol Myers Squibb


Boehringer Ingelheim Corporation


Eli Lilly


GlaxoSmithKline


Reneuron Group plc


Illumina, Inc.


Johnson & Johnson


Merck Sharp & Dohme


Oxford BioMedica plc


Oxford Immunotec Global plc


UCB, Inc.


Takeda


Silence therapeutics Plc


QuantuMDx Group Ltd


Viiv


Work highlights


  • Represented ViiV in challenging the EMA’s decision before the EU General Court, arguing that it has acted unlawfully and also that it has misapplied the EMA’s guidance.
  • Advised Forbion and Sofinnova Partners, as co-lead investors in a $70m Series H financing round into F2G Ltd.

Gowling WLG

Patrick Duxbury and Robert Breedon lead the practice at Gowling WLG, which is noted for its ‘deep experience‘ in licensing matters and pharmaceutical manufacturing issues. The team regularly assists large pharmaceutical companies such as BioNTech and AstraZeneca, and is known for representing care home and senior facility operators and funders. With his academic background in microbiology and genetics, Duxbury handles an array of transactional issues, including commercialisation deals and collaborations, while Breedon advises both public and private sector clients in the healthcare space on outsourcing contracts and commercial projects.

Practice head(s):

Patrick Duxbury; Robert Breedon


Testimonials

‘Small team with deep experience in life sciences licensing and collaboration deals.’

Key clients

BioNTech


Gyrus Captial


Neurim Pharmaceuticals


European Pharmaceutical Company


AstraZeneca


Eisai


Bial Portela


Katholike Universiteit Leuven


Dynavax


Argenx NV


BioInvent International AB


GlaxoSmithKline


Apposite Capital


Sosei Heptares


Amphista Therapeutics


Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


UDG Healthcare Group plc


Circle Health


Department of Health and Social Care


Ford


Formation Capital, LLC


Fresenius Medical Care Renal Services Limited


Getinge Group


Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust


Synlab Group


Lakeside Healthcare


Montreux Healthcare Fixed Yield Fund


TT Electronics


Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


Sitekit Applications Limited


NHS Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust


Nucleic Acid Imaging Company


UK Clinical Phase Biotech Company


Oxford BioTherapeutics


Immedica Pharma AB


Sentinel Oncology


Work highlights


  • Advised AstraZeneca on a strategic collaboration with diagnostic company, GRAIL, to develop and commercialise companion diagnostic assays for use with AstraZeneca’s therapies.
  • Advised BioNTech on its collaboration with the UK Government to accelerate personalised mRNA immunotherapy clinic trails providing personalised cancer therapies for up to 10000 patients by 2030.
  • Advised GSK on patent litigation proceedings brought by Pfizer in relation to RSV vaccines.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP houses a ‘highly talented and dedicated‘ team which handles a broad range of issues including seed financings, patent protection, and merger control work. Alan Montgomery leads the team, often advising clients which occupy the biotech, generics and medtech spaces on commercial agreements and cross-border M&A issues. ‘Very thoughtful and high calibre‘ patent litigator Sebastian Moore is particularly adept at acting in SPC-related matters, having appeared before the CJEU, while IP specialist Sophie Rich regularly acts for pharmaceutical companies in both contentious and non-contentious matters. The ‘superbEmily Bottle regularly appears before the European Patent Office, and is particularly knowledgeable in gene and cell therapies.

Practice head(s):

Alan Montgomery


Other key lawyers:

Sebastian Moore; Sophie Rich; Emily Bottle


Testimonials

‘Always at the top to the game, particularly in life sciences.’

‘HSF’s life sciences team contains many highly talented and dedicated people with specialist expertise in the field.’

‘Sebastian Moore is a very thoughtful and high calibre litigator, who always considers all the angles.’

Key clients

Gilead Sciences, Inc


AbbVie, Inc


Roche


Genus plc


Abcam plc


Biotage AB


Johnson Matthey plc


CSL Behring


Sanofi


Biogen


Work highlights


  • Advised Biotage AB on its acquisition of Astrea Bioseparations, a chromatography solutions provider, from Gamma Biosciences.
  • Acting for Biogen in a global dispute in relation to patent matters relating to TECFIDERA, a treatment for multiple sclerosis.
  • Advised Gilead Sciences on UK proceedings relating to Gilead’s HIV integrase inhibitor, bictegravir. The firm also advised on the coordination of Gilead’s response to parallel proceedings brought by ViiV in a number of other European Patent Convention jurisdictions.

Linklaters LLP

The team at Linklaters LLP has broad expertise spanning trade mark infringement disputes, joint R&D agreements, and supply and logistics arrangements, often assisting financial sponsors, insurers and medical device companies. The group is also noted for its expertise in data protection, regulatory investigation, and product liability matters. Aisling Zarraga co-heads the practice, and has a great deal of expertise in handling both public and private M&A issues and joint ventures for international pharmaceutical companies, healthcare service providers and biotech corporates. Co-head Marly Didizian has broad knowledge surrounding carve outs, pharmaceutical supply chains, and advance purchase agreements involving vaccine manufacturers. Since publication, Katie Coltart has joined from Kirkland & Ellis International LLP.

Practice head(s):

Aisling Zarraga; Marly Didizian


Key clients

Gavi


Apax Partners


The Carlyle Group


Fresenius


PAI Partners


Hg Capital


Bayer


Nestlé


Takeda Pharmaceuticals


McKesson Corporation


Merck & Co., Inc.


Sanofi


Regeneron Pharmaceuticals


ViiV


Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc


Work highlights


  • Advised ThermoFisher on its acquisition of The Binding Site Group, and related IP issues.
  • Represented ViiV Healthcare (a joint venture involving GSK) in UK patent infringement proceedings against Gilead in relation to Gilead’s HIV treatment bictegravir.
  • Advised Gavi on purchase agreements for Covid-19 vaccines with vaccine manufacturers.

Sidley Austin LLP

Sidley Austin LLP‘s team is noted for its ‘deep bench strength‘ and its experience in acting for companies developing gene therapy products and digital health tools. Praised by clients for her ‘confidence and ability‘, Maria Isabel Manley heads up the practice with her vast expertise in damages actions concerning generics, regularly appearing before the CJEU and the Committee of Orphan Medicinal Products. The ‘exceptionalRobert Darwin maintains a transactional practice, frequently assisting clients with strategic collaborations, private equity buyouts, and investment deals. Noted for his ‘in-depth and practical‘ expertise, senior managing associate Chris Boyle is adept at handling both contentious and non-contentious issues surrounding paediatric regulations and supplementary protection certificates, while managing associate Zina Chatzidimitriadou is noted for her broad knowledge of product life cycle management, with an emphasis on pricing and reimbursement issues.

Practice head(s):

Maria Isabel Manley


Other key lawyers:

Robert Darwin; Chris Boyle; Zina Chatzidimitriadou


Testimonials

‘Robert Darwin is an exceptional lawyer with a thorough understanding of his client’s commercial requirements. Tough and determined but realistic and deft at getting the deal done in the end.’

‘The team excels at dealing with novel regulatory challenges, they have holistic treatment of product life cycle issues including market access, pricing and reimbursement, while maximising IP and data protection rights. Deep understanding of digital, data and the convergence of drug and medical devices.’

‘Sidley boasts deep bench strength headed by Marie Isabel Manley, with associates Zina Chatzidimitriadou and Chris Boyle. Marie is a leading figure, and Zina and Chris have in-depth and practical subject matter expertise, enabling them to navigate pharma regulations and provide pragmatic solutions.’

‘A deep understanding of the regulatory systems at UK and EU levels, with broad experience in the way companies operate. The team has a very engaging approach in its interactions with other, non-legal, functions in the business and this makes it much easier for advice to be explained and accepted.’

‘Marie Isabel Manley exudes confidence and ability, and this comes across in a very persuasive way. I value her ability to focus in on the key questions and to always have a solution that provides a successful outcome for the company.’

‘Chris Boyle has a very reassuring presence, and is calm and reflective, and always appreciates the priority of the client. His advice is concise and always provided with the realities of the business environment in mind.’

‘The Sidley Life Sciences team is great to work with and has a wonderful network of colleagues across the globe who are always ready to support their clients in their needs. They are knowledgeable while always providing “plain English” and clear advice. They are also not afraid to take a view and position when providing advice.’

‘Zina Chatzidimitriadou provides practical, pragmatic, and commercially aware legal advice, always listening to the client. She is approachable and reactive which demonstrates fantastic customer care.’

Key clients

Arat Health, Inc.


Juniper Life Sciences


Perspectum Group Ltd.


Les Laboratoires Servier


Welsh, Carson, Anderson & Stowe


Huma Therapeutics Limited


BeiGene


Aperion Capital Limited


Immunocore


Work highlights


  • Representing Servier in three cases before the High Court and the Supreme Court. This concerns parallel proceedings brought by the health authorities in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland seeking damages for an alleged breach of competition rules in relation to Servier’s drug Perindopril.
  • Advising Juniper Life Sciences on the negotiation of the licensing and acquisition of the Middle East, African, Asian, and Australasian rights to a number of pharmaceutical products.
  • Represented Immunocore before the EMA’s Committee of Orphan Medicinal Products against its refusal to recommend Immunocore’s product for an orphan designation.

Simmons & Simmons

Simmons & Simmons houses a ‘highly skilled‘ team which handles a myriad of matters, including digital health market disruption, personal data, and product liability mandates. Practice head Michael Gavey has longstanding expertise in both transactional and contentious IP issues concerning dentistry and medical products, while Lydia Torne primarily focuses on IP transactions and compliance issues relating to digital health and consumer health products. Both praised as ‘excellent practitioners‘, managing associate Amy Crouch handles disputes between innovators and biosimilar producers involving formulation patents and dosing regimens, and patent litigator Scott Parker handles a broad range of multi-jurisdictional disputes for biotech and pharmaceutical clients.

Practice head(s):

Michael Gavey


Other key lawyers:

Lydia Torne; Amy Crouch; Elsa Glauert; Scott Parker; Priya Nagpal


Testimonials

‘Scott Parker and Amy Crouch are excellent practitioners who are very adept.’

‘Priya Nagpal is an exceptional IP litigator. Priya brings a wealth of experience and knowledge, enabling her to find elegant solutions to complex IP problems.’

‘Very strong industry knowledge.’

Key clients

Venture Life Group PLC


Boston Scientific Corporation


Samsung Bioepis


Boston Scientific Corporation


GlaxoSmithKline


3M Wound Care


Cure Parkinson’s


The Institute of Cancer Research


GSK


Work highlights


  • Advised GSK, Amgen, AstraZeneca, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Johnson & Johnson, Alnylam, Roche and Regeneron on a long-term collaboration agreement with Our Future Health, pursuant to which each company would become an industry member of the Our Future Health programme.
  • Advised Samsung Bioepis regarding biosimilar patent litigation relating to Humira.
  • Advised Boston Scientific on a claim brought by the former shareholders of a company acquired by Boston Scientific (Labcoat Ltd), and supported Boston Scientific’s litigation strategy in Europe in its dispute with Nevro.

Taylor Wessing LLP

The team at Taylor Wessing LLP houses a team which exhibits broad expertise spanning venture capital transactions within the biotech space, medical device certifications, and data privacy issues. Practice head Alison Dennis utilises her broad expertise in IP and contractual matters to advise medium to large medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers on commercialisation issues. Ross McNaughton handles the biotech side of the practice, predominantly assisting clients with issues surrounding international expansion and capital raising. With longstanding experience in biologics and small-molecule therapeutics, Adrian Toutoungi is particularly adept at advising clients on collaboration agreements, while Colin McCall assists clients with licensing agreements and R&D projects. Tasmina Goraya primarily focuses on arbitrations and regulatory disputes, in addition to clinical trial agreements.

Practice head(s):

Alison Dennis


Other key lawyers:

Ross McNaughton; Adrian Toutoungi; Colin McCall; Tasmina Goraya


Key clients

Apollo Therapeutics


Shield Therapeutics


Pacira Biosciences


Bracco Imagining


Cambridge Cognition


IP Group


iRhythm Technologies


Azenta


Cambridge Epigenetix


Sight Sciences


Nuclera Nucleics Ltd


PLACID0


Theramex


Abbott


Pfizer


Fusion Antibodies


Work highlights


  • Advised Shield Therapeutics plc on three simultaneous complex transactions including its transformational collaboration agreement with NASDAQ-listed global healthcare company Viatris Inc.
  • Advised Apollo Therapeutics on its license agreement with Nasdaq listed Avalo Therapeutics under which Apollo was granted rights to Avalo’s anti-IL-18 monoclonal antibody product AVTX-007 (camoteskimab).
  • Advised Nuclera Nucleics on its Series B financing which brings the total raised to $58m. Nuclera will use the additional investments to accelerate the commercial launch of its eProtein desktop bioprinter.

Arnold & Porter

Arnold & Porter houses a ‘high-calibre‘ team which advises a varied client base, notably including Pfizer, AstraZeneca and Janssen. Practice head Adela Williams has vast experience in providing regulatory advice in relation to clinical trials, marketing authorisations, and medical devices in both the UK and the EU, often acting in product liability disputes. Ian Dodds-Smith is noted for his ‘considered and thorough approach‘ and his expertise in group actions and regulatory disputes, and the ‘very knowledgeable’ Jacqueline Mulryne advises clients in the cosmetics, food, and medtech industries on borderline classification and clinical research work. Beatriz San Martin frequently appears before the CJEU and domestic courts in IP disputes in relation to emerging technology, and Ewan Townsend maintains a transactions focused practice, often acting for biotech and pharmaceutical companies.

Practice head(s):

Adela Williams


Other key lawyers:

Ian Dodds-Smith; Jacqueline Mulryne; Beatriz San Martin; Ewan Townsend; Libby Amos-Stone


Testimonials

‘The team has excellent pharmaceutical law knowledge, which is a rare specialism.’

‘Ian Dodds-Smith and Jackie Mulryne in particular are wonderful to work with because of their experienced, considered and thorough approach.’

‘Unique experience and expertise in acting for pharma clients.’

‘Ian Dodds-Smith knows the history of a byzantine regulatory regime.’

‘The team are highly responsive and always manage to deliver clear and succinct advice on complex regulatory matters. They are a high-calibre team. They have a depth and breadth of experience.’

‘Jackie Mulryne is very accessible and very knowledgeable.’

‘Libby Amos-Stone is highly responsive and always provides clearly presented advice that includes a practical spin on the legal issues being addressed.’

Key clients

Bayer


AstraZeneca


Bausch


Bristol-Myers Squibb


Grünenthal GmbH


Janssen


Kyowa Kirin


Norgine


Orion Inc


Pfizer


Sanofi


Takeda


DAC Beachcroft LLP

The broad team at DAC Beachcroft LLP is known for its expertise in the regulation of medical devices and pharmaceutical products, in addition to acting in public inquiries and product liability cases. The ‘very clever and focusedAlison McAdams leads the practice, and has a great deal of experience in advising on clinical trial claims. Charlotte Burnett primarily focuses on the requirements of both stakeholders and clients in the delivery of hospital and vaccine rollout contracts. Praised for her ‘very careful and strategic‘ approach, associate Olya Melnitchouk has deep knowledge of group action litigation and product liability claims.

Practice head(s):

Alison McAdams


Other key lawyers:

Charlotte Burnett; Olya Melnitchouk


Testimonials

‘DAC Beachcroft have a really good life sciences and regulatory spread.’

‘Alison McAdams is a very clever and focused partner.’

‘Olya Melnitchouk really thinks through a case and is very careful and strategic.’

Key clients

NHS England


NuVasive


Ipsen Pharma


Guy’s and St Thomas’s NHS Foundation Trust


Deltex Medical


Beamtree


Optegra UK Ltd


Circle formerly BMI Healthcare


Teladoc Health


Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


Gateshead NHS Foundation Trust


ValiRx plc


Reliance Industries


Work highlights


  • Advising NuVasive on all aspects of its roll out of Pulse, a solution to integrate all the technologies required to enable better spine surgery into one single platform.
  • Acting for Opterga UK in respect of multiple claims regarding surgical implantation of intraocular lenses.

Fieldfisher

With a ‘stellar reputation‘ among clients for its regulatory capabilities, the team at Fieldfisher assists clients with a myriad of issues, including the funding and development of biotech programmes, and the commercialisation of products. The ‘exceptionally talented and knowledgeableJanita Good leads the team, handling a broad range of transactional matters, including co-operative research, structured licensing, and equity investment issues. Sarah Ellson leads the regulatory team, often advising medical manufacturers and pharmaceutical companies on patient support programmes and clinical trials. Cliodhna McDonough-Stevens has since left the team to work in-house.

Practice head(s):

Janita Good


Other key lawyers:

Sarah Ellson


Testimonials

‘Fieldfisher have developed a stellar reputation for their regulatory practice across life sciences and healthcare.’

‘Janita Good and her team are always helpful and very switched on.’

‘Janita Good is an exceptionally talented and knowledgeable life sciences solicitor. Her advice is often very creative, but pragmatic and to the point. I value her advice highly and her people skills, especially in difficult negotiations, are very good. I am very happy to recommend Janita to colleagues and friends in the sector.’

Key clients

Roche Products Limited


Fresenius Kabi


BAGI Group Limited


EB Research Partnership EBRB


Synairgen plc


Inspiration Healthcare plc


Syneos Health UK


Ultromics


InnovaDerma


LetterOne


Human Tissue Authority


NHS Resolution


Phoenix Healthcare


General Medical Council


Sinclair Pharma


Work highlights


  • Advised BAGI Group Limited on an equity investment lead by funds managed by a leading Hong Kong group together with a patent co-ownership and development agreement with an institution in Hong Kong, which could enable a range of new products based on botanical drugs.
  • Advised Roche Products Limited on novel routes to authorisation of treatments that turned out to be effective against the Covid-19 virus, and new data-sharing agreements with the NHS.
  • Advised EB Research Partnership EBRB on equity investment into Mariposa Limited using an innovative model of funding to deploy charitable funds into rare disease research through equity investment.

Goodwin

Praised for its ‘constructive and problem-solving‘ approach to issues, the team at Goodwin advises a diverse client roster, which notably includes DJS Antibodie, Novo Holdings and Ducentis BioTherapeutics. Practice co-head David Mardle primarily assists emerging companies with M&A, and co-head Graham Defries advises a number of investors, and biotech and pharmaceutical companies on venture capital exits and investments, in addition to licensing transactions. Co-head Malcolm Bates has broad knowledge surrounding collaborations, outsourcings, and R&D project transactions. Morag Peberdy acts for corporates, having a great deal of expertise in the IP aspects of IPOs and venture capital investments, in addition to IP pipeline arrangements. Kenny Walker-Durrant was promoted to partner in October 2022, and focuses on advising emerging growth companies on corporate matters.

Practice head(s):

David Mardle; Graham Defries; Malcolm Bates


Other key lawyers:

Andrew Harrow; Tim Worden; Morag Peberdy; Kenny Walker-Durrant


Testimonials

‘Broad range of skills and areas they can help with.’

‘Approachable and client-friendly, partners stay involved.’

‘Constructive and problem-solving approach.’

Key clients

Refeyn Limited


MiroBio Ltd


Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc


William Blair


Oxford Science Enterprises PLC


Syncona Portfolio Limited


DJS Antibodies Limited


Ducentis BioTherapeutics Ltd


ReViral Limited


Biocon Biologics Ltd


Syndesi Therapeutics


Vivo Capital LLC


Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund GmbH


Novo Holdings A/S


Evotec SE


Engitix Limited


SynAffix B.V.


Stalicla SA


Grey Wolf Therapeutics Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Morgan Stanley and William Blair, which acted as joint bookrunners for Silence Therapeutics plc’s underwritten ADS offering for gross proceeds of approximately $56.5m.
  • Advised Syndesi Therapeutics and its shareholders in relation to the sale of Syndesi’s entire issued share capital to AbbVie.
  • Advised Biocon Biologics Ltd on the completed acquisition of substantially all of the global biosimilars business of Viatris Inc. for a total purchase price of $3.3bn.

Kirkland & Ellis International LLP

Kirkland & Ellis International LLP houses a ‘talented and experienced‘ team, which is noted for its strength in IP disputes, follow on damages cases, and M&A. Daniel Lim, ‘titan of IP litigationNicola Dagg, and Emma Flett jointly lead the practice. ‘Top-class litigator‘ Lim acts for a clients in disputes concerning medical devices and pharmaceutical products, often in relation to commercial launches and injunctions. Hailed by clients as ‘one of the outstanding patent litigators of current times‘, Dagg regularly defends patents against challenges from generics manufacturers. Litigator Jin Ooi has broad expertise in small molecule, DNA sequencing, and transgenic animal platform issues, displaying ‘laser sharp focus‘ when arbitrating trade secrets disputes in the medical devices space. Since publication, Katie Coltart has moved to Linklaters LLP.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Lim; Nicola Dagg; Emma Flett


Other key lawyers:

Jin Ooi; Steven Baldwin


Testimonials

‘Nicola Dagg is one of the outstanding patent litigators of current times, combining strategic insight with very robust and detailed litigation skills. Firm but very fair and keen to get to a sensible solution, she is trusted by many of the largest undertakings in the area. She also leads her teams in an energetic way – very much from the front.’

‘Jin Ooi is extremely impressive and has a laser sharp focus when its comes to patent litigation. All over the detail and an expert on strategy. Jin stands out in every aspect when it comes to patent related matters. He is experienced, with great judgement and deep understanding of the legal and commercial matters of each case. One of the most brilliant lawyers we have ever worked with.’

‘Talented and experienced lawyers with good judgement and creative problem solving. Their strategic approach and deep understanding of legal and commercial matters involved deliver a high quality of work that meet client’s expectations.’

‘Daniel Lim has the rare skill of being able to be fully across both the minute detail as well as the big picture strategy of the case. He has all the qualities of a top-class litigator. I would also like to highlight that each team member is highly responsive, competent and talented which reflects a strong team culture and is a joy to work with.’

‘Nicola Dagg is a force of nature, not simply a rainmaker, but a typhoon maker who always goes the extra mile. She is a titan of IP litigation and rightly so.’

‘Kirkland & Ellis have an excellent life sciences and healthcare practice. They excel at combining deep scientific and technical knowledge with tremendous cross-border dispute resolution skill and expertise to secure optimal outcomes.’

‘Nicola Dagg is an exceptional litigator. When handling a patent case, she will leave no stone unturned to bring a claim to its full potential.’

 ‘Steven Baldwin is relentless in pursuit of his clients’ interests.’

Key clients

Pfizer


Astellas


British American Tobacco


Alcon


Viatris


Abbott Laboratories


Meril Life Sciences


Siemens Healthineers


Advanced Bionics


Pharmathen


Work highlights


  • Representing Astellas and Pfizer in relation to the protection of prostate cancer treatment Xtandi.
  • Representing Warner-Lambert, Pfizer, and Viatris against the NHS in relation to a follow-on damages inquiry before the Patents Court, raising novel issues of foreseeability, causation and mitigation.
  • Representing Alcon in global patent infringement litigation against Johnson & Johnson concerning surgical laser systems for cataract surgery.

Osborne Clarke LLP

Osborne Clarke LLP acts for a varied client roster, notably including BioNTech, Turbine, and Advent Life Sciences. Practice co-head Will James is a patent litigator who regularly acts for biotech, electronics, and medical device companies in disputes; while co-head Matthew Edwards maintains a corporate-focused practice, and advises companies and investors on M&A and venture capital investments. Marcus Vass primarily advises digital health companies on outsourcings and privacy matters. Peter Rudd-Clarke has broad experience in defending product liability claims and handling regulatory compliance issues. Having joined the team from Marks & Clerk in October 2022, Trevor Crosse has deep knowledge of SPC disputes and exclusivity rights.

Practice head(s):

Will James; Matthew Edwards; Marcus Vass; Richard Wilkinson


Other key lawyers:

Peter Rudd-Clarke; Trevor Crosse


Key clients

Santen


BioNTech


Turbine


Basecamp Research


King’s College London


UCL Technology Fund


Optellum


AviadoBio


Advent Life Sciences


Ada Digital Health


Doctor Care Anywhere


Elephant Health


Koa Health


Thriva


Science Creates Ventures


Work highlights


  • Advised BioNTech on its acquisition of InstaDeep Ltd for up to £562m.
  • Advising Amgen on its litigation strategy in respect of the competitive new clinical field of cholesterol-lowering antibodies for the treatment of cardiovascular disease.
  • Advised AviadoBio Ltd on its $80m Series A financing round.

Powell Gilbert LLP

Powell Gilbert LLP is an IP boutique, which houses a ‘truly outstanding‘ team, which handles revocation proceedings, appeals, and disputes concerning patent royalties. Practice head Penny Gilbert utilises her academic background in molecular biology and biochemistry to represent clients before the CJEU and the EFTA court. Tim Powell has vast expertise in the enforcement of patents and injunctions relating to gene sequencing and pre-natal testing. Bethan Hopewell has broad knowledge spanning contractual disputes, damages claims, and infringement proceedings.

Practice head(s):

Penny Gilbert


Other key lawyers:

Tim Powell; Bethan Hopewell


Testimonials

‘Bethan Hopewell and Tim Powell’s team is truly outstanding in terms of both legal skill and acumen as well as technical capability.’

‘They bring a mix of prowess that is a dream combination for winning hard hitting European litigation in the life sciences.’

‘Extremely high quality.’

Key clients

Biogen


Edwards Lifesciences


Illumina


BioNTech


Cook Medical


Oxford University Innovation and the University of Oxford


MED-EL


Otsuka


NuCana


DSM


Work highlights


  • Representing BioNTech in patent litigation relating to its SARS-CoV2 vaccine against Moderna and CureVac, which will go to trial in the first half of 2024.
  • Representing Biogen in ongoing European cases relating to its Humira biosimilar and also acting in a UK patent dispute with Sandoz/Polpharma, who are developing a biosimilar to Biogen’s innovator product Tysabri (natalizumab), an antibody drug used to treat multiple sclerosis.
  • Represented Otsuka in UK proceedings relating to its licence dispute with GW Pharma. Otsuka commenced proceedings in the UK court for determination of its entitlement to royalties based upon the relevant jointly owned patents.

Slaughter and May

The broad team at Slaughter and May handles a range of contentious and non-contentious issues, such as patent disputes, the commercialisation of patent portfolios, and mandates -relating to confidential information. Claire Jackson leads the team alongside Duncan Blaikie; Jackson has a great deal of expertise in corporate matters, often advising clients on demergers and joint ventures, while Blaikie primarily handles IP-related issues, including R&D, licensing and collaboration agreements.

Practice head(s):

Claire Jackson; Duncan Blaikie


Key clients

GlaxoSmithKline


Hikma


Thermo Fisher


Novo Nordisk


Bupa


GE Healthcare


Union Medical


Reckitt Benckiser


Immunocore


Oxford Nanopore


Lonza


CSL


Enara Bio


Artha Health Limited


International Finance Facility For Immunisation Company


Mylan


Illumina


Cantel Medical Corp


Varian Medical Systems


Oxford Sciences Enterprises


Bunzl


Afreximbank


Takeda


Virgin Active


Deepmind


GHO Capital


AbbVie


Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics


Givaudan


Ossur


Alexion


Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia


St John Ambulance


ViiV Healthcare


Work highlights


  • Advised GSK plc on the separation of its Consumer Healthcare business to form Haleon plc.
  • Advised the African Union on all aspects of its program to procure Covid-19 vaccines, over and above the vaccines it is securing through the COVAX Investments Limited facility and other programmes including in respect of all IP issues connected with the procurement.
  • Advised GHO Capital with respect to the acquisition of Sterling Pharma.

Stephenson Harwood

Stephenson Harwood houses an ‘excellent‘ team, which handles a variety of issues for clients concerning trade marks, biologics, and data protection. ‘Excellent‘ practice head Alexandra Pygall has broad expertise in advising clients on collaboration, licensing and partnering agreements, in addition to the IP elements of M&A. Dan Holland is particularly knowledgeable when it comes to manufacturing and supply agreements for vaccines, and has ‘extensive experience‘ in international outsourcing agreements.

Practice head(s):

Alexandra Pygall


Other key lawyers:

Dan Holland; Naomi Leach; Rob Jacob


Testimonials

‘The team forms a good rapport immediately which allows internal and external teams to work seamlessly. SH listens, responds and challenges accordingly. Excellent support.’

‘Develops a good rapport immediately. Ability to have honest responses to challenges. Respectful and engaging.’

‘The team has particular expertise in developing and negotiating service contracts within the biologics life sciences industry.’

‘Dan Holland has extensive experience both with US and UK companies in the biologics contract manufacturing sector.’

‘The entire group is outstanding. They are always extremely quick, up to speed and ready to build a tailor-made team according to the case at hand. We appreciate their excellent understanding of the industry.’

‘Rob Jacob and Alexandra Pygall are both excellent.’

‘Alexandra Pygall is great and has a combination of litigation and contracting experience.’

‘Naomi Leach – it’s helpful to have her tech and data privacy experience.’

Key clients

Acacia Pharma Group plc


AM-Pharma


Apposite Capital


Bicycle Therapeutics


Biomer


BXT Accelyon


Eisai Europe Ltd


e-therapeutics plc


Futura Medical Plc


GSK


Incyte Corporation


Johnson & Johnson Innovation


LifeArc


Oxford Biomedica plc


Shield Therapeutics Plc


BioNTech


GE HealthCare


Work highlights


  • Advising Oxford Biomedica on its new three year Master Services & Development Agreement with AstraZeneca UK Ltd which would facilitate potential future manufacturing opportunities for the AstraZeneca Covid-19 vaccine.
  • Acting for Primer Design Limited and its French parent company, Novacyt S.A. in a £134m claim brought by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care and PD’s £81m counterclaim to recover sums due from DHSC under unpaid invoices.
  • Advised Bicycle Therapeutics on its recent strategic collaboration agreement with Novartis.

Carpmaels & Ransford LLP

Praised for exhibiting ‘deep industry knowledge‘, Carpmaels & Ransford LLP is noted for assisting clients with trade marks, data protection, and orphan exclusivities. David Wilson has a great deal of experience in handling patent disputes concerning license agreements, and the ‘very talented and extremely dedicatedJennifer Antcliff regularly appears before the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, and the CJEU in SPC cases. Jake Marshall primarily focuses on transactional IP matters, and Hugh Goodfellow is particularly adept at the filing and prosecution of SPCs, and oppositions. James Warner leads on the chemical and pharmaceutical side, frequently handling EPO opposition proceedings. Mark Chapman heads up the biotech team, and has vast experience in pre and post-grant proceedings before the EPO.

Practice head(s):

David Wilson; Jake Marshall; Hugh Goodfellow; James Warner; Mark Chapman; Roger Lush


Other key lawyers:

Daniel Wise; Camilla Balleny; Richard Newell; Jennifer Antcliff


Testimonials

‘Very good pharmaceutical patent practice, unsurprising given the client portfolio in the patent attorney side of the firm.’

‘C&R’s strength is its fusion of a solicitors’ practice with a patent attorneys’ practice, meaning that it can provide a one-stop shop for prosecution and litigation of patents.’

‘Jenny Antcliff is a very talented and extremely dedicated and diligent junior partner.’

‘Deep industry knowledge. Able to explain difficult concepts in an accessibly way. Strategic thinking and scenario planning.’

‘Carpmaels has a team of very talented patent attorneys and litigators that are both experienced in patent law and have high level of technical expertise, and that work in a very collaborative way.’

‘Camilla Balleny is very thoughtful and comprehensive in her identification and analysis of legal issues, and she is very good about keeping the client informed and involving the client in strategic decision making.’

Key clients

Johnson & Johnson group


Bristol Myers Squibb


FibroGen, Inc.


Janssen-Cilag Limited


Janssen Pharmaceuticals


Janssen Oncology


Takeda


Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc.


Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.


Gilead


Stichting Hubrecht Organoid Technology


Incyte


Biogen Inc.


Align Technology


Novartis


Vertex


Jazz Pharmaceuticals


CSL


LifeScan, Inc.


Ethicon Inc. & Ethicon LLC


McNeil AB


Acorda Therapeutics


Biosense Webster


Abbott Laboratories


Raytheon Technologies Corporation


LEO Pharma


Afiniti, Ltd.


Auris Health


Quantum-Si


Amgen


Work highlights


  • Acted for FibroGen in FibroGen Inc. v Akebia Therapeutics Inc. and Others, in which the Court of Appeal found that FibroGen’s patents were valid on the ground of sufficiency.
  • Acting for Janssen Pharmaceutica in SPC and dosage regimen patent defence relating to blockbuster product XEPLION.
  • Advising FabricNano on a patent licensing and master services agreement to safeguard the foundation of its technology and providing the contractual framework for commercialising that technology.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper‘s practice represents a number of notable clients, including Cancer Research UK, Fresenius Medical Care, and QMD. Richard Taylor leads the team, and has vast expertise in advising SMEs and public bodies on both transactional and contentious IP matters involving supply chains, data, and medical devices. Dylan Kennett has broad experience in domestic and international M&A, and private equity transactions within the cannabis sector.

Practice head(s):

Richard Taylor


Other key lawyers:

Dylan Kennett


Testimonials

‘They cover all angles, they are across all the new tech and the new developments as much as they are au fait with the well-trodden paths of how to do the big deals. We are indebted to them.’

‘Easy to work with, pragmatic, global support and global network that can give us advice in the jurisdictions we need.’

Key clients

Intercept Pharma


Philip Morris International


Medtronic


Pfizer Inc


Fresenius Medical Care


Danaher


Incyte Corporation


Resmed Inc


QMD (Q Medical Devices)


Anthony Nolan


Dechra Pharmaceutical plc


Argenx BV


Avanos


Sanofi


Takeda


Syneos Health


Cancer Research UK


Dexcom


BMS


SmileDirectClub


Work highlights


  • Advised longstanding FTSE 100 client Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC on its £184m equity fundraising to supports its M&A strategy, which included a cash acquisition of US-based pet health company Piedmont Animal Health Inc.
  • Represented Philip Morris International during its contested UK public takeover of Vectura Group plc, the recommended public offer of the oral nicotine manufacturer Swedish Match AB (and associated $6bn bond issuance) with an approximate combined transaction value of over $17bn.
  • Represented Intercept Pharmaceuticals, Inc. on its disposal of nine of its foreign subsidiaries ($450m) and its rights regarding Intercept’s international operations, including a license to commercialise Ocaliva (obeticholic acid) outside of the US, to Advanz Pharma.

Hill Dickinson LLP

The team at Hill Dickinson LLP is often praised by clients for finding ‘innovative solutions through collaboration‘ when advising on projects between the public and private healthcare sectors. Practice co-head Jamie Foster assists a variety of clients, including NHS organisations and biotech start-ups on collaboration agreements and regulatory issues. Co-head Michael Corcoran is adept at handling IPOs and reverse takeovers for medical cannabis and alternative protein companies.

Practice head(s):

Jamie Foster; Michael Corcoran


Other key lawyers:

James Lawford Davies


Testimonials

‘The team is unique in that they provide innovative solutions through collaboration.’

‘They completely immerse themselves in the project and you get a feeling of shared objectives for the overall delivery.’

Key clients

Psych Capital Plc


NorthEdge


Hydrogen Future Industries Plc


Palatine Private Equity


ITS Technology Group


Parity Medical


RJAH Orthopoedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust


The Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust


NHS Business Services Authority


Touchpoint Medical


Dr Schar UK


Genflow Biosciences


Agronomics


The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust


Rinicare


Unity Insight


The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust


Babylon Health


Yooma Wellness Inc


PAM Occupational Health Solutions Ltd


Hilltop Leaf


Fishawack Health


Curaleaf


Medicines Discovery Catapult Ltd


Centre for Process Innovation


ADDVantage Technologies


Assisted Reproduction & Gynaecology Ctr


Juvenescence Ltd


The Fertility Partnership Ltd


California Croyobank


Insilico Medicines, Inc


Agronomics Ltd


iOx Therapeutics Ltd


JD Healthcare


Lyphe Group


CME Medical Ltd


OBG Pharmaceuticals Ltd


Genus Plc


Create Health Ltd


SalvaRsx Group Plc


Sinclair Pharma Plc


Port Erin Biopharma Investments


SmartMed Global


Napa Therapeutics Ltd


Sativa Investments Plc


FastForward Innovations Ltd


Thermo Electron (Management) Services Ltd


Sativa Group Plc


Work highlights


  • Advising Psych Capital plc on the completion of a UK listing of a company operating in the nascent medical psychedelic sector.
  • Advising a widower on a high-profile landmark legal case in the High Court regarding surrogacy law.
  • Advising Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust on the implementation and modular build of a community diagnostic centre with Alliance Medical Limited.

Latham & Watkins

Led by Robbie McLaren, the team at Latham & Watkins is noted for its ‘great sector knowledge‘ and strength in handling the full spectrum of corporate matters, including IPOs, licensing transactions, and financing issues. McLaren primarily handles cross-border M&A, in addition to venture and growth capital investments. Senior associate Oliver Mobasser primarily focuses on assisting biotech, medtech, and pharmaceutical companies with strategic transactions and divestments.

Practice head(s):

Robbie McLaren


Other key lawyers:

Oliver Mobasser


Testimonials

‘Great sector knowledge. Very responsive. Creative thinking and well resourced teams.’

Key clients

Abcam


Acino Pharma


Amgen


Astellas Pharma


Atai


Baxter


BenevolentAI


BC Partners


Collplant


CVC Capital Partners


Eleusis


Exscientia


GlaxoSmithKline


KKR


Ligand Pharmaceuticals


Meira GTx


Mereo BioPharma


Nordic Capital


Norgine


Novo Holdings


Oasmia


Osler Diagnostics


Permira


Pharmanovia


Pharmaseeds


Pharmathen


ProPharma Group


Silverlake Partners


Sobi


Soundbite


Synthon


Theramex


Zogenix


McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP

The ‘highly collaborative‘ team at McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP has broad expertise in medtech and remote medicine issues, often acting for technology, biotech and pharmaceutical clients. Practice head Sharon Lamb maintains a strong transaction-focused practice, advising on M&A and joint venture arrangements for digital health and life sciences companies. ‘Truly stand-out‘ practitioner Hamid Yunis has longstanding expertise in public-private partnerships and corporate financing issues within the healthcare space. Associate David Gibson is particularly adept at handling matters concerning procurements, outsourcings and private patient services. The ‘exceptionalGary Howes has vast knowledge spanning commercial contracts and patent licensing agreements.

Practice head(s):

Sharon Lamb


Other key lawyers:

Hamid Yunis; David Gibson; Gary Howes


Testimonials

They are highly collaborative, serving as a trusted counsel for our key stakeholders alike.’

‘The team’s strengths and key capabilities are the breadth and depth of their knowledge and experience. We consider MWE to be our core partner and are proud to work with them as a firm.’

‘Hamid Yunis is truly stand-out.’

‘Excellent ability to understand licenses. Good US practice means understands the bigger picture for dealing with UK companies.’

‘Gary Howes is exceptional.’

Key clients

Fortius Clinic


Zura Bio Limited


BehaVR, Inc.


Auctus


PharmaLex Group


Summit Partners


Elite Body Sculpture


Cleveland Clinic London


Africa Cancer Control Partners, LLC.


Community Health and Eyecare Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Fortius Clinic on its transaction to acquire Schoen Clinic London from Schoen Clinic Group, a German hospital group.
  • Advising Elite Body Sculpture on its non-US expansion plans in the UK, Canada and the UAE. The firm advising on strategic, healthcare regulatory, corporate, tax, commercial, privacy, employment, and real estate matters.
  • Advised Zura Bio Limited on its business combination with JATT Acquisition Corp in a deSPAC transaction.

Mills & Reeve LLP

The team at Mills & Reeve LLP advises a varied client base of medical research charities, government bodies and fast-growing biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and the practice has ample experience in advising on tax, real estate, and IP matters. James Fry heads up the practice, often assisting clients with a broad range of contractual commercial issues. Fry also has broad expertise spanning research and technology collaborations, in addition to advertising and product classification work.

Practice head(s):

James Fry


Key clients

GSK


Illumina


CMR Surgical


Neurocrine Biosciences


F-star Therapeutics


Sapphiros


NRG Therapeutics


PhoreMost


Redx Pharma


Calypso Biotech


CMR Surgical


Sanger Institute


Wren Therapeutics


Transition Bio


MD Orthopaedics


Haleon


Kadans


Sphere Fluidics


Work highlights


  • Advising GSK on the divestment of Haleon plc and the cloning and renegotiation of commercial contracts (a mix of technology contracts, MSAs etc.).
  • Advised F-star on its licence and collaboration agreement with Takeda. The agreement, which grants licences to Takeda of F-star’s proprietary platform IP relating to the generation of bi-specific antibodies, will facilitate research towards the development of a next generation immuno-oncology bispecific antibody.
  • Represented MDO in the opposition of an application for a conflicting trade mark by a company associated with a former distributor.

Mishcon de Reya LLP

Noted by clients for its ‘great pedigree‘, the team at Mishcon de Reya LLP has broad knowledge spanning digital health, crop science, and veterinary medicine. Joining the practice with his team through the firm’s merger with Taylor Vinters, Patrick Farrant co-heads the practice alongside Campbell Forsyth. Farrant has deep expertise in the negotiation of biotech IP deals and licences, while Forsyth handles a broad range of patent disputes before the High Court. Hailed by clients as a ‘statesman at the top of his game‘, David Rose is particularly apt at advising on the protection and enforcement of IP rights, FRAND terms, and the protection of SPCs. Praised for his ‘blue sky thinking‘, counsel Justin Lambert has vast expertise in matters concerning the freedom to operate, and often acts in infringement disputes.

Practice head(s):

Patrick Farrant; Campbell Forsyth


Other key lawyers:

David Rose; Justin Lambert; James Holland


Testimonials

‘Depth and breadth of thought is key to the Mishcon de Reya team. They make use of knowledge and experience at all levels, and their advice and work is much richer and more robust as a result. They know their cases inside out.’

‘Justin Lambert is an experienced litigator. He is easy to work with and is excellent at blue sky thinking. He will come up with ideas that no-one else has considered. He has a good science background.’

‘A solid team with a great pedigree!’

‘David Rose continues to impress, he is a statesman at the top of his game.’

‘James Holland is an increasingly confident and competent senior associate. He takes on the management of larger litigation teams, with excellent results as his knowledge develops in sync and his advice becomes sharper.’

Key clients

Dr Reddy Laboratories


Zentiva


United Bioscience Corp


Lupin


Nucleome Therapeutics


RQ Bio


DIOSynVax


RxCelerate


Endomag


RSC


Quell Therapeutics


Purespring


Mestag Therapeutics


Microbiotica


Centauri Therapeutics


Sanofi


Work highlights


  • Acting for Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (UK) Limited in a follow-on cross-undertaking damages claim against Warner-Lambert in relation to its invalid pregabalin second medical use patent.
  • Acting separately for Zentiva Pharma UK Limited and Dr Reddy’s Laboratories (UK) Limited in a multi-party pharmaceutical dispute regarding a patent for a dosage regimen relating to fingolimod.
  • Advising RQ Bio on its $157m licence with AstraZeneca to help progress the treatment and prevention of viruses through antibody technologies.

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP‘s team is noted for advising biotech companies on seed investments, venture capital deals, and obtaining product approvals. Omar Shah has vast expertise in acting for clients in cartel investigations and challenges to European Commission decisions, while Allison Soilihi handles a variety of matters, including private equity transactions and joint ventures. Frances Murphy leads the competition team, often acting for large pharmaceutical companies in challenges to dawn raid search warrants and allegations of market exclusion. The ‘exceptionalPaul Ranson has broad experience spanning the biotech, pharmaceutical and medical device sectors, often advising clients on pricing, reimbursement, and outsourcing issues.

Practice head(s):

Omar Shah


Other key lawyers:

Paul Ranson; Frances Murphy


Testimonials

‘Collaborative, helpful, competent, and professional service. Always delivered on time, however complex the issues.’

‘Paul Ranson is an exceptional lawyer. His breadth of knowledge and experience in the life sciences area is truly staggering. As an individual, he is professional, highly competent and incredibly diligent with any task, big or small.’

Key clients

StoneCalibre


Takeda


Founders and investors in Frankie Health


Mercury Pharma


Amdipharm


Focus Pharma


AstraZeneca UK


AMCo Pharma


Novartis Pharmaceuticals


Perrigo


Work highlights


  • Advised StoneCalibre on its acquisition of Agar Scientific from an investment fund and various management sellers.
  • Represented Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. in a series of cross-border transactions with Oak Hill Bio Ltd., a newly formed clinical-stage rare-disease therapeutics company.
  • Advised the founders and VC investors of Frankie Health on the sale of Frankie Health to Unmind.

Ropes & Gray

The ‘exceptional‘ practice at Ropes & Gray LLP assists clients with a broad range of issues, including risk and crisis management, research and development strategies, and product life cycle management. The team acts for a number of notable clients, including Merck KGaA, Orphalan, and Allergan. With ‘unparalleled standing and credibility‘, practice head Lincoln Tsang handles a myriad of issues, from internal investigations and public policy matters, to product approvals and clinical trials. Tsang also has a great deal of experience in interactions with the European Medicines Agency.

Practice head(s):

Lincoln Tsang


Testimonials

‘Excellent expertise in regulatory law. I think the pharma practice is exceptional.’

 ‘Lincoln Tsang enjoys unparalleled standing and credibility in the life sciences sector based on his extensive experience both as a regulator and long-standing outside counsel to numerous bio-pharmaceutical and med tech companies.’

‘Lincoln Tsang is particularly experienced in market access and approval of medicines for rare diseases.’

Key clients

Bain Capital


NeoGenomics


Avista Capital Partners


Blackstone Group


Novavax


Pfizer


PTC Therapeutics


Takeda Pharmaceuticals International


Merck KGaA


Sarepta Therapeutics, Inc.


Chroma Medicine, Inc.


ConforMIS, Inc.


bluebird


Orphalan (previously Gmp-Orphan)


Horizon Therapeutics


BioMarin


Intrabio


Novavax


Pfizer


PTC Therapeutics


Nasus Pharma


Mirum Pharmaceuticals


Akebia Therapeutics, Inc.


Spruce Biosciences


Gyroscope Biotherapeutics


Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals


Kyowa Kirin Co.


Amicus Therapeutics


Allergan


Actimed Therapeutics


Work highlights


  • Advised GIC on its acquisition of a 40% interest in The Oxford Science Park from Magdalen College, and on the strategic joint venture between GIC and Magdalen College.
  • Advised Envision Pharma Group on its acquisition of OKRA.ai.
  • Advised Northpond Ventures on its further investment in the Series B shares of Refeyn.

RPC

The broad practice at RPC assists clients with a broad array of issues, including inquests, risk management work, and insurance coverage matters. Practice head Dorothy Flower primarily acts for suppliers and manufacturers in claims concerning medical devices and pharmaceutical product liability; she also acts in numerous group actions, in addition to commercial and injury claims arising in the context of clinical trials.

Practice head(s):

Dorothy Flower


Key clients

Sonablate


Allied World Assurance Company


Work highlights


  • Representing Sonablate before the National Institute for Healthcare and Excellence.
  • Assisting Allied World Assurance Company with the review and analysis of its clinical trial policy wording.

Squire Patton Boggs

Praised by clients for its ‘unique understanding‘, the team at Squire Patton Boggs assists a diverse client base of pharmaceutical companies and medical device suppliers with market access issues. Mark Yeo maintains a corporate-focused practice, often assisting clients with venture capital and public equity transactions. Noted for his focus on the financial services sector, Jon Lent advises borrowers and family offices on the acquisition and development of care homes, and capital expenditure programmes. Adrian Spooner has vast expertise in acting for clients in matters concerning pharmacovigilance, promotions, and clinical trials.

Practice head(s):

Andrew Wilkinson; Diarmuid Ryan; Mark Yeo; Jon Lent


Other key lawyers:

Adrian Spooner


Testimonials

‘The Squire Patton Boggs team has a unique understanding of the practical implementation of current and likely future pharmaceutical legislation. This comes from the the capability of its team and their strong connections to the wider life sciences community and stakeholders.’

‘Working with Adrian Spooner has been very positive. He has provided guidance which has been practical to implement and delivered more certainty for business planning and risk mitigation.’

Key clients

HC-One Limited


Stevens & Bolton LLP

The ‘very professional‘ team at Stevens & Bolton LLP assists both originators and generics, digital health providers, and trade bodies with logistics arrangements, compliance with MHRA requirements, and know-how licensing. ‘Excellent‘ practice head Charlotte Tillet has ample expertise in licensing, collaboration and research agreements within the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Michael Frisby has a great deal of knowledge surrounding risk management issues and international arbitrations, and Gustaf Duhs primarily handles competition related matters, providing ‘clear and on point‘ advice on investigations and judicial reviews concerning importation policies.

Practice head(s):

Charlotte Tillett


Other key lawyers:

Michael Frisby; Gustaf Duhs


Testimonials

Very professional team that always seeks to identify main problems of the client and suggest the most practical solution.’

‘One of the biggest strengths of the team is very down to earth and easy communication. Gustaf Duhs is definitely the go-to person. You always feel comfortable to refer any question to Gustaf and could be certain that the advice will be very friendly, clear and on point.’

‘They are full service in the Life Sciences sector. Very knowledgeable team.’

‘Charlotte Tillet is excellent. Very bright.’

Key clients

Accord Healthcare


Blatchford Ltd


British Generics Manufacturers Association


Glenmark Pharmaceutical Europe Ltd


Insud Pharma


Lonza Biologics plc


Philips Healthcare


Satsuma Pharmaceuticals, Inc.


SecurMed UK


The Institute of Cancer Research