Firms To Watch: Healthcare and life sciences

Acting for a range of clients, including biotech start-ups, research institutions, and medical device manufacturers, the team at Niederer Kraft Frey AG is noted for its vast transactional expertise. Philipp Haas leads the Zurich-based team, and Janine Reudt-Demont has deep regulatory knowledge, often advising on telemedicine and product liability mandates.

Healthcare and life sciences in Switzerland

Bär & Karrer Ltd.

The market-leading team at Bär & Karrer Ltd. advises its lucrative client base of on the full gamut of matters, including the marketing and advertising of drugs and pricing proceedings. Jointly heading the practice in Zurich, Markus Schott primarily focuses on administrative proceedings, including government supervision and public procurement mandates; Markus Wang  leads on the intellectual property (IP) side, acting for pharma and biotech clients in Swissmedic proceedings; and Philippe Seiler maintains a private equity and M&A focused practice, handling a variety of transactions and regulatory matters involving medical device and drug distribution. Basel based practice co-head Claudia Götz Staehelin is an expert in investigations, disputes, and regulatory issues, representing numerous global pharma giants, while co-head Oliver Brupbacher is noted for his ‘exceptional‘ sector knowledge, and his expertise in crisis management issues and information governance. Jannick Koller left the practice in December 2022.

Practice head(s):

Markus Schott; Markus Wang; Philippe Seiler; Claudia Götz Staehelin; Oliver Brupbacher


Other key lawyers:

Jannick Koller; Raphael Wyss


Testimonials

‘The team has a deep knowledge of pharmaceutical business. They do understand the business aspects and not just the legal issues. Their responsiveness is really remarkable. ’

‘Markus Schott has a great understanding of the legal issues of our company but also he understands in-depth our business needs. this is a combination that leads to excellent cooperation.’

‘The team covers a full range of legal issues and expertise. Very strong life science understanding.’

‘Oliver Brupbacher has exceptional knowledge of the life science sector and an extremely pragmatic and result-driven approach. He is fast, available, and partners on cases.’

‘B&K is a full service law firm with depth in many areas of relevance.’

‘The team at Bär & Karrer Ltd. are highly focused on client service and attention to detail, which when combined with their strong depth of knowledge in their respective subject matter areas, sets them apart from their competitors. In particular, the quality of service and work product provided by Oliver Brupbacher is exceptional. ’

Key clients

Novartis


Work highlights


  • Advised Firmenich on its merger with DSM, which was announced on the 31 May 2022. The new parent company will be located in Switzerland and listed on Euronext Amsterdam.
  • Advises Moderna on various legal matters in connection with its business in Switzerland and abroad, including legal and regulatory advice related to the establishment of its supply chain for its Covid-19 Vaccine, Swiss launch preparations, trade and commercial matters, as well as health care compliance and regulatory aspects and data privacy.
  • Advising Novartis in the planned spin-off of Sandoz.

Homburger

The Zurich based group at Homburger assists a diverse client base of well-known international pharma and healthcare giants, notably including Novartis, Sandoz, and Sanofi Aventis. The team displays deep bench strength across a variety of areas, including patent enforcement actions against generics producers, and joint ventures. Practice co-head Dieter Gericke has longstanding expertise in transactional matters, including public takeovers, shareholder activism, and public M&A. Co-head Andri Hess regularly acts in IP disputes and arbitrations, whilst maintaining a strong focus on pharma regulatory issues and IT. Co-head Richard Stäuber is known for his vast knowledge of Swiss and European competition issues, acting for clients in merger control proceedings, distribution arrangements, and investigations.

Practice head(s):

Dieter Gericke; Andri Hess; Richard Stäuber


Other key lawyers:

Luca Dal Molin


Key clients

Roche


Novartis


Sandoz


Syngenta


Eli Lilly


Nestlé


CSL


Illumina


Molecular Partners


Santhera Pharmaceuticals


PPF Group


Vifor Pharma


ADC Therapeutics


Bristol Myers-Squibb


Edwards Lifesciences


VectivBio


SOPHiA GENETICS


ArchiMed


Therachon


Zur Rose Group


Spectris


Atara Biotherapeutics


Apellis


Straumann


Sonova


Siegfried


Biognosys


Covis Pharma


IMA Medtech


BIOBank


Addex Therapeutics


Strides Pharma Science


Sanofi Aventis


Octapharma


Horizon Therapeutics plc


PHOENIX Pharma


Nice & Green


Amedis


Work highlights


  • Advised Zur Rose Group on regulatory matters in the sale of its Swiss business to Migros’ Medbase, and represented the client in merger control proceedings
  • Acted for Novartis, securing a landmark judgment in enforcing patents against generic JADENU (deferasirox) products.
  • Advised Santhera on its transformative exclusive outlicensing for vamorolone to Catalyst Pharmaceuticals.

Kellerhals Carrard

Primarily based in Bern, the team at Kellerhals Carrard handles the full gamut of life sciences and healthcare mandates involving price differentiation and information governance issues, and research and development (R&D) agreements. Co-leading the practice, Jörg von Manger-Koenig is known for his longstanding expertise in advising clients on corporate management issues, and co-head Claudio Helmle is known for his ‘exceptional‘ knowledge of reimbursement and product recalls within the biotech and pharma spaces. Working out of the Basel office, co-head Nicolas Mosimann has ample expertise in advising pharma, biotech, and healthtech startups on manufacturing agreements and licensing mandates. Thomas Eichenberger acts for a variety of clients, including doctors and hospitals on product liability issues.

Practice head(s):

Jörg von Manger-Koenig; Claudio Helmle; Nicolas Mosimann


Other key lawyers:

Thomas Eichenberger; Frédéric Rochat


Testimonials

‘The team has broad legal knowledge, and is able to dive deep, and have specialised resources as required. The team is very reactive to their clients and has always found solutions that are adapted to our needs.’

‘Very professional, very fast, and very thorough; They really want to understand their client’s business and its needs to adopt their approach of legal counseling.’

‘Claudio Helmle is very competent, always supportive and responsive. ’

‘Kellerhals not only offers exceptional, in-depth expertise, but they bring a business-oriented mindset, determined to find the best possible solution for the client in the most efficient way.’

‘Claudio Helmle has exceptional, in-depth expertise on healthcare matters. He is always easy to reach and fully dedicated to finding the best possible solution in the most efficient way. In addition to his excellent legal understanding he demonstrates a keen business acumen.’

‘Claudio is very approachable, flexible and competent. I feel like he is part of the inhouse team. He is very good in giving pragmatic feedback and communicating directly to the business. Perfect mix between know-how and pragmatism, overall a very amicable colleague.’

‘The key members of their life sciences team previously worked for big pharma companies or for the Federal Office of Public Health, so they know the sector very well.’

Key clients

Actelion Pharmaceuticals


ALK-Abelló


Biokema


Eli Lilly


Entrydell SA


Fondation EuroVacc


Fondation Health Sciences e-Training


Gebro Pharma AG


Gene Predictis SA


Gilead Sciences Switzerland Sàrl


Interpharma


MoonLake Immunotherapeutics AG


Vifor Pharma AG


Ypsomed Holding AG


Biognosys AG


Pharmaledger Association


Cellestia


Neurim Pharmaceuticals


Zuger Kantonsspital


Medtronic


Roche


zahnarztzentrum.ch


KPT Versicherungen


Takeda


Work highlights


  • Assisted Roche with understanding and adhering to the Swiss healthcare legislation and supporting them in reimbursement matters and assisting them in navigating competition law.
  • Advising MoonLake Immunotherapeutics, a clinical-stage biotechnology company, on clinical trials, including the negotiation of the master service agreement with ICONN (the CRO), the negotiation of the global clinical trial insurance policies, the negotiation of all clinical trial agreements and letter of indemnifications with all site organizations and additional agreements with members of committees, key opinion leaders and other individuals, including strategic advice on data protection matters and selected regulatory aspects.
  • Assisting Novartis’ Swiss subsidiary with market access & reimbursement as well as in the area of early access, anti-corruption, and contract law.

VISCHER

The ‘highly skilled‘ team at VISCHER acts for a diverse client base of medtech, digital health, and pharma companies in matters concerning the market launch of products, off-label use, and cross-border IVF related issues. Stefan Kohler and Matthias Staehelin jointly lead the team from Zurich and Basel respectively. Staehelin is an expert in transactional matters within the life sciences sector, frequently advising on seed and series financings, M&A, and royalty purchase agreements. Kohler advises both Swiss and overseas corporates on technology transfers and R&D agreements, all whilst acting as an associate judge in the Swiss Federal Patent Court. Christian Wyss is known for handling a broad range of issues, including partnering deals and fundraisings, regularly assisting investors, start-ups, and license terms.

Practice head(s):

Stefan Kohler; Matthias Staehelin


Other key lawyers:

Christian Wyss; Vincent Reardon


Testimonials

‘This is one of the best firms I have worked together with. The reason for this is specifically Christian Wyss. Their work is highly diligent and they find innovative but market-proven ways on how to reach a desired outcome.’

‘Highly skilled, fast-to-respond, agile, flexible, great collaboration and communication.’

Key clients

Redbiotec


Mosanna Therapeutics


Forty51 Ventures


Norgine Ventures


Versantis


Oculis


Anokion


Resistell


AMR Action Fund


GlycoEra AG


Medartis


ATANIS Biotech


Sustainable Health AG


Thermo Fisher Scientific


Bausch Health


ten23 Health AG


Bachem Holding AG


CombiGene AB


Anjarium Biosciences AG


Novaremed


Spexis


Combioxin SA


evitria Group


ImmunOs Therapeutics AG


Anaveon AG


Cimeio Therapeutics


MiniNaviDent AG


T3 Pharmaceuticals


ClearView Healthcare Partners


RELIEF THERAPEUTICS HOLDING SA


Work highlights


  • Advised AMR Action Fund, a public-private partnership investing in new antimicrobial therapeutics, in leading the CHF 32.6m Series C financing of BioVersys AG.
  • Advised Oculis Holding SA on listing its shares at Nasdaq via a SPAC transaction with European Biotech Acquisition Corp.
  • Represented ten23 Health against a leading pharmaceutical company before the Swiss Federal Patent Court. ten23 Health’s manufacturing activities for a biosimilar in ophthalmology were challenged.

Bratschi Ltd

Felix Kesselring leads the Zurich based team at Bratschi Ltd, known for its ‘fortress of knowledge‘ and ‘acute intellectual prowess‘. The group excels at advising on the full gamut of matters, including reimbursements, administrative procedures, and innovation management. The team is also noted for its deep regulatory and contentious expertise, frequently assisting clients with drug pricing cases and laboratory services. Kesselring regularly acts for both Swiss and international clients within the medical device, pharma, and healthcare industries, while Yaël Heymann‘s primary area of focus is on regulatory issues involving data protection and healthcare law.

Practice head(s):

Felix Kesselring


Other key lawyers:

Yaël Heymann


Testimonials

‘Great communication. Quick responses and understanding of the issues. Very meticulous work.’

‘In-depth knowledge of laws and regulation in the pharmaceutical industry.’

‘We work with Felix Kesselring for his unique expertise in laws and regulations related to life sciences’

‘Bratschi Ltd astounds with its exemplary team, wielding a unique blend of legal acumen and scientific insight, ensuring that it not only understands the law but also profoundly grasps the science behind client innovations. They navigate regulatory complexities with finesse and strategic savvy unparalleled in the marketplace. The team exemplifies a q and strategic thinking in regulatory compliance.’

‘The individuals at Bratschi Ltd’s practice epitomise a blend of acute intellectual prowess and genuine dedication to client success, setting a high bar in the legal and scientific consulting arena. What markedly distinguishes them from peers in the competitive landscape is their unwavering commitment to ethical practice, client transparency, and a palpable passion for driving healthcare innovations forward.’

‘Felix Kesselring is clearly the go-to person for healthcare and life science matters in Switzerland – for Swiss or international clients. This pan-European knowledge makes Felix very valuable, particularly for Swiss pharma companies which export pharmaceuticals abroad.’

‘Dr. Felix Kesseling: quick feedback, realistic assessment of the opportunities and risks, industry experience’

‘The team is specialised in Swiss regulatory matters and has ample experience with Swissmedic. They are very thorough and detail oriented in their work and the work results delivered are precise. They did not shy away from reviewing an impressive amount of rather technical documents and were able to perform a helpful risk assessment.’

Key clients

Zur Rose Suisse Ltd.


Daiichi Sankyo (Schweiz) Ltd.


Otto Group


Ortsbürgergemeinde St. Gallen


Neuraxpharm Switzerland Ltd.


Post CH Ltd.


Gilead Sciences Switzerland LLC


Smith & Nephew Orthopaedics Ltd.


Sigma Aldrich Production GmbH


CSL Behring Ltd.


IGEN Biolab Group Ltd.


Kantonsspital St. Gallen


Spitalregion Fürstenland-Toggenburg


Oertli-Instrumente AG


Work highlights


  • Advised Otto Group on the acquisition of the Medgate, a provider of digital health services, and Better Doc, provider of services in the field of medical quality data analysis.
  • Represented Neuraxpharm Switzerland Ltd. before the Federal Supreme Court against price reductions for one of its medicinal products.
  • Advised Daiichi Sankyo (Schweiz) Ltd. on the development of a digital health app.

Lenz & Staehelin

The team at Lenz & Staehelin acts for a broad range of clients across the biotech, diagnostics, and medical device industries on a wide range of matters, including IP disputes concerning supplementary protection certificates (SPC), and generics and biosimilars. The team is jointly led by Thierry Calame, Harold Frey, Xavier Favre-Bulle, Andreas Rötheli, and Guy Vermeil. In Geneva, Rötheli handles private equity buyouts and real estate issues; Vermeil maintains a technology and outsourcing based practice; and Favre-Bulle is noted for his longstanding experience in arbitrations concerning licences, joint ventures, and post-M&A disputes. In Zurich, IP expert Calame assists clients with licensing issues and copy right litigation, while Frey often handles international arbitrations and cases before Swiss courts, with his main area of focus being general contractual disputes.

Practice head(s):

Thierry Calame; Harold Frey; Xavier Favre-Bulle; Andreas Rötheli; Guy Vermeil


Testimonials

‘Great firm, great team of lawyers. Experts in their field. Responsive and the advice is clear and concise, with clear risk assessments.’

‘Very responsive and clear in their advice, they take a pragmatic approach and focus on solutions.’

Key clients

Abbott Laboratories


Alcon Inc.


Alpha Health Group


Altitude Management


Asceneuron


Bain Capital Private Equity


Cinven


Chord Therapeutics


Dacadoo


Keri Medical


Lonza


Manufacture Modules Technologies


Owners of the Ardentis group


Mepha/Teva


Merck & Co., Inc.


Morgan Stanley


MGI Tech


NovImmune SA


Obseva SA


Pfizer


Revance Therapeutics, Inc.


Surveyor Capital


swiss smile Schweiz AG


The Carlyle Group


Wyss Center


Work highlights


  • Represented Abbott before the Federal Supreme Court, resulting in a landmark decision on standing to sue in trademark invalidity proceedings under the Madrid System of trademarks. The decision was widely publicized and published in English in IIC.
  • Represented Acino Pharma in complex patent nullity proceedings against Euroceltique S.A. before the Federal Patent Court involving multiple patents in relation to pain relief.
  • Advised a group of investors led by SME Equity Partners and Co-Investor Partners on acquisition of Promedical AG, a Swiss suppliers of medical consumables and surgery kits.

MLL Legal

Jointly led by Nicola Benz and the ‘very smart, very strategicSimon Holzer, the Zurich based team at MLL Legal acts for universities and pharma companies in matters involving the drafting and negotiation of clinical trial and cooperation agreements, pricing disputes, and the use of blockchain within a pharma context. Benz primarily advises technology companies, investors, and suppliers on outsourcing and collaboration related issues within the life sciences sector. IP litigator Holzer is well known for his broad expertise in matters involving FRAND cases and standard essential patents, with the pharma industry being his key area of focus. Ulrike Ciesla has vast experience in handling patent prosecution and appeal proceedings, while Louisa Galbraith is well versed in mandates concerning unfair competition and trade marks.

Practice head(s):

Nicola Benz; Simon Holzer


Other key lawyers:

Kilian Schärli; Nadine Von Büren-Maier; Ulrike Ciesla; Louisa Galbraith


Testimonials

‘The team around Simon Holzer is one of the best to advise on patent matters in Switzerland, especially in the life sciences field. Ulrike Ciesla and Kilian Schärli are also outstanding. They are always great to work with in pan-European litigation projects.’

‘Great client service and responsiveness, always calm and measured. Great quality advice.’

‘Simon Holzer is one of the leading Swiss IP/patents practitioners. He is always calm and measured, and very responsive when needed. He is very easy to work with and he provides excellent legal and commercial advice. I would highly recommend him. Louisa Galbraith is a rising star.’

‘Fast turnaround, very helpful advice.’

‘Excellent understanding and knowledge of the market and its players, quick understanding of complexities for drafting contracts, including technological aspects.’

‘Very smart, strategic, focused, quickly get a grip of the essentials and provide tailored advice to the client’s benefit. ’

‘Simon Holzer: Very smart, very strategic, quick and thorough analysis and advice.’

Key clients

Alpex Pharma SA


AstraZeneca AB (Sweden)


AstraZeneca (Switzerland) AG


Authena


Axapharm AG


Bayer Pharma AG (Germany)


Bayer Intellectual Property AG (Germany)


Bayer Consumer Care AG (Switzerland)


Bayer (Schweiz AG) (Switzerland)


Baxter Ltd


Becton Dickinson Company


Bioeq AG


Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG


Carestream


Cellprotect Holding AG


cereneo Schweiz AG and cereneo International AG


Eli Lilly


Eurospine, The Spine Society of Europe


Exact Sciences International Sàrl


Gilead Sciences, Inc.


H. Lundbeck A/S (Denmark)


Lundbeck Schweiz AG (Switzerland)


Implantec Schweiz GmbH


Innoplexus


Intuitive Surgical


Kantonsspital St. Gallen (KSSG)


Lipomed AG


Lusaria AG


MaKe WeBo AB


Modum


Mundipharma Medical Company


Mundipharma AG


Neosim


Psychiatrische Dienste Aargau AG


RDP Pharma AG


Scoutbee


Shockwave Medical


Spital Männedorf AG


Swiss Cosmetic Association (SKW)


Swiss Medtech


Swiss Rockets


Takeda


ViiV Healthcare


Visiomed Laboratories


Work highlights


  • Represented Bayer in Swiss patent preliminary injunction (PI) proceedings against the Swiss Zentiva affiliate Helvepharm concerning Bayer’s cancer drug Nexavar.
  • Assisted Interpharma, the Swiss trade association of the research-based pharmaceutical industry, by writing an expert opinion on the secondary use of personal data in the pharmaceutical industry and pharmaceutical research. The opinion is used in the context of ongoing legislative activities.
  • Advised the privately owned Lipomed AG on the sale of its Reference Standards Business to LGC. The team advised Lipomed AG on all legal and tax aspects of this complex cross-border transaction where assets and a foreign subsidiary of Lipomed AG were sold to LGC.

Pestalozzi

Praised for its ‘outstanding‘ work, the team at Pestalozzi acts for a variety of clients, including service providers, financial investors, and manufacturers of medical devices. The group has deep bench strength across a broad range of issues involving import and export regulations, the application of medicinal products, and the distribution of cannabis products. Practice co-head Franz Schubiger is noted for his vast expertise in M&A, private equity and venture capital transactions, and restructurings. Lara Dorigo co-leads the team, and is known for her expansive knowledge of disputes within the life sciences sector, with particular emphasis on small molecules, biosimilars, and monoclonal antibodies. Co-head Christian Roos leads the firm’s employment and pensions practice, advising on social plan negotiations and restrictive covenants within the pharma and medical device industries. Sarah Drukarch regularly assists both domestic and overseas companies on R&D project negotiations, and post-marketing set-ups.

Practice head(s):

Franz Schubiger; Lara Dorigo; Christian Roos


Other key lawyers:

Sarah Drukarch


Testimonials

‘Pestalozzi is a small firm with very knowledgeable attorneys. They are very responsive and provide very good, concise advice. They understand the pharmaceutical industry well, and provide practical advice on operating and structuring work in Switzerland to be compliant with the regulatory requirements in the market. ’

‘Franz Schubiger is great at putting together the right resources and subject matter experts for each matter to provide advice quickly and efficiently. ’

‘Highly professional and skilled team.’

‘Knowledge of the market, ability to handle complex cases.’

‘Franz Schubiger and his team delivered outstanding work in a very efficient way and always on time.’

‘Always a pleasure to work with Franz Schubiger.’

Key clients

Akorn Pharmaceuticals


Akorn Operating Company


Akorn AG


Astellas Pharma Europe


European Investment Bank


GE Healthcare


GE Medical Systems (Switzerland)


Kite Pharma


DePuy Synthes division


Janssen Pharmaceutica NV


Johnson & Johnson


JJDC, Inc.


Kenvue Inc.


Lanxess Deutschland GmbH


MGI Tech.


Newron Pharmaceuticals SpA


Nutriathletic AG


Merck KGaA


SSP Deutschland GmbH


Select Service Partner (Schweiz) AG


University Hospital Zurich


Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.


Work highlights


  • Advising The European Investment Bank on a cross-border EUR 25m venture debt transaction with GeNeuro SA, a biopharmaceutical company with operations in Switzerland and France.
  • Represented Newron Pharmaceuticals in proceedings before the Federal Administrative Court and the Federal Supreme Court regarding the grant of an SPC forsafinamide, a compound used in the treatment of the Parkinson disease. The dispute involved the novel legal question whether an SPC can be granted if the marketing authorisation covers a single compound, but indicates that the compound is to be used in combination with a second compound, and the basic patent covers the combination therapy.
  • Advising Johnson & Johnson on Swiss legal and tax matters relating to its subsidiaries operating in and from Switzerland, and the different franchises of the group (pharmaceuticals, medical devices, consumer healthcare and consumer goods).

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd

Schellenberg Wittmer Ltd handles a broad range of IP disputes, including validity and infringement actions, technology transfers, and clinical trial agreements, whilst advising on regulatory issues involving market surveillance and advertising restrictions. Philipp Groz and Lorenza Ferrari Hofer jointly lead the team in Zurich. Groz regularly represents clients in international arbitrations concerning supply and distribution agreements, in addition to handling IP disputes. Hofer is well versed in mandates involving product development and trade, specifically in relation to data protection and IP. Pascal Hubli maintains a strong transactional practice, handling numerous public takeovers and corporate restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Philipp Groz; Lorenza Ferrari Hofer


Other key lawyers:

David Mamane; Pascal Hubli


Testimonials

‘Dr. Lorenza Ferrari Hofer treats matters very efficiently and knows how to staff her team to perfectly suit the clients needs.’

‘Calm, matter-of-fact approach to the client and explaining the whole situation to them. Always willing to work to find as positive a solution as possible.’

Key clients

AbbVie


Addlife AB


Bayer AG


BioNTech


Zimmer Biomet


AOP Orphan Pharmaceuticals AG


Ascensia Diabetes Care


Cardinal Health


Celgene


CSL Behring AG


HeiQ Materials AG


Johnson & Johnson


Kinarus


LivaNova


Procter & Gamble


Shire International GmbH


Sonova


Iveric Bio


Santhera Pharmaceuticals


ZimVie


Dandelion


Asker Healthcare Group


Treetop Pharma


Novartis


Work highlights


  • Advised Swiss company Santhera Pharmaceuticals on exclusive license agreements for drug candidate vamorolone for North America with Catalyst Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • Representing and advising Novartis in the procedure initiated by the Swiss competition authorities regarding an alleged abuse of a dominant position based on the use of its patents in infringement procedures against a third party.
  • Advised Swiss health insurance provider CSS on the setup of a digital health platform for patients and health service providers, from AI based self-diagnosis to tele medicine services, and e-prescriptions, in joint venture with different other players.

Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG

Baker McKenzie Switzerland AG leverages its international network to assist clients with a broad range of issues, including licence and employment agreements, and clinical trail strategy. The practice is jointly led by Olha Demianiuk and Julia Schieber. Demianiuk has a great deal of expertise in multi-jurisdictional M&A and health product portfolio acquisitions. Noted for her ‘profound‘ industry knowledge, Schieber primarily focuses on IP and IT related issues, including the exploitation of IP rights, and collaboration and R&D agreements. Matthias Courvoisier leads the firm’s capital markets team, acting in a number of public takeovers and IPOs.

Practice head(s):

Olha Demianiuk; Julia Schieber


Other key lawyers:

Matthias Courvoisier; Peter Reinert; Serge Pannatier


Testimonials

‘Good people with knowledge, quick answers, always available.’

‘Very experienced and well connected.’

‘Well-researched and pragmatic advice across multiple jurisdictions.’

Key clients

Abbott


Abbvie


Actelion Pharmaceuticals AG


Adagene AG


Alexion


Allecra Therapeutics AG


Argenx SE


Aricium


Baitella Holding AG


Basilea Pharmaceutica AG


Bausch Health Corporation


Baxalta Inc


Baxter


Becton Dickinson


Bruker BioSpin


Cassiopea SpA


Celgene


Cell Medica Ltd


Cosmo Pharmaceutical NV


CSL Behring Beteiligungs- und Verwaltungs GmbH & Co KG


Curasept A.D.S. S.r.l.


CureTeq AG


CureVac AG


DocMorris


Galapagos


Galderma


GSK


Implantica AG


Mapreg SAS


Medmix


Mérieux Equity Partners


Moderna


Novaliq


Novartis


Numab


OnlineDoctor


Sandoz


Sanofi Aventis (Suisse) SA


Similasan


Sonova AG


Takeda


The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations


Zur Rose Group


Work highlights


  • Advised GSK plc in a license agreement with WuXi Biologics under which GSK will have exclusive licenses for up to four bi- & multi-specific TCE antibodies developed using WuXi Biologics’ proprietary technology platforms.
  • Advising BD Switzerland Sàrl on various employment matters , including review of employment agreements and assistance in relation to termination of employees.

BianchiSchwald LLC

BianchiSchwald LLC houses a broad practice with deep knowledge of public procurement in relation to the construction of clinics, and the financing of medical care. Dividing his time between Zurich and Bern, Marc Metzger leads the team and is noted for his broad expertise in contractual, distribution, and public procurement law. Zurich’s Stefan Scherrer regularly assists with company succession and corporate governance issues. Thomas Goosens departed the practice in September 2022.

Practice head(s):

Marc Metzger


Other key lawyers:

Stefan Scherrer; Andreas Suter; Stipe Jozic


Key clients

VAMED Management und Service Schweiz AG


VAMED Standortentwicklung und Engineering GmbH & CO KG


Rehaklinik Seewis AG


Rehaklinik Dussnang AG


WS Audiology Switzerland AG


Rehaklinik Tschugg AG


Rehaklinik Zihlschlacht AG


Work highlights


  • Advised VAMED Management und Service Schweiz AG on its takeover of operations of Rehaklinik Tschugg AG, a rehabilitation clinic in the Canton of Berne. The closing of the transaction occurred in May 2023.
  • Advising WS Audiology Switzerland AG (former Widex and Sivantos) in the post-merger integration proceedings.
  • Advising Rehaklinik Seewis AG on its leasing of the entire Hotel Scesaplana from October 2021 (transformed and now used as part of VAMED’s rehabilitation clinic in Seewis specialized in cardiology). With this step, Rehaklinik Seewis AG is able to offer 80 single rooms for cardiological, psychiatric-psychosomatic and internal oncological rehabilitation.

CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd.

The broad team at CMS von Erlach Partners Ltd. is well equipped to handle a variety of mandates involving patent enforcement actions, advertising and distribution issues, and tariff negotiations. The group is also noted for its handling of data protection matters and administrative proceedings concerning pricing. Practice co-head Christoph Willi assists numerous outpatient clinics and hospitals with agreements concerning rebate transfers and services. Co-head Patrick Sommer is well versed in matters concerning licenses for medical products, and remedial actions and disclosure to Swissmedic. Alain Raemy has extensive expertise in private M&A, contractual issues, and corporate restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Patrick Sommer; Christoph Willi


Other key lawyers:

Alain Raemy; Simone Brauchbar Birkhäuser


Key clients

Bayer (Switzerland) AG


Synlab International


Unilabs AG


Medbase AG


Vista Klinik AG


Mobile Health AG


LivaNova


Work highlights


  • Representing Bayer (Switzerland) in Swiss administrative proceedings regarding price recommendations for medication against erectile dysfunction traded over-the-counter.
  • Advising SYNLAB Group on its sale of SYNLAB SUISSE SA to Sonic Healthcare.
  • Advising IBSA in several pricing proceedings with the Swiss Office of Public Health and its periodic review.

Sidley Austin LLP

In Geneva, Sidley Austin LLP assists clients across the pharma, medical device, biotech, and novel foods industries with clinical trials, Swissmedic policies and market surveillance. Andreas Balsiger Betts leads the team, and is noted for his vast knowledge of the Swiss Federal Act on Therapeutic Products, regularly advising on marketing authorisations. The ‘exceptional’ Olivier Goarnisson regularly assists clients with pharmacovigilance issues, non-interventional studies, and supply chain related mandates.

Practice head(s):

Andreas Balsiger Betts


Other key lawyers:

Eva Von Mühlenen; Olivier Goarnisson; Tatjana Sachse


Testimonials

‘Sidley works responsively and very straightforwardly. Thanks to their enormously broad network and very strong international presence, they can call on global experts in all subject areas. Sidley’s employees are very collegial and maintain good relationships in the medical device and pharmaceutical sectors. The employees at Sidley have practical experience with the authorities.’

‘In addition to his professional competence, Andreas Balsiger is an exceptional person who is enormously committed to his clients. He does this in a targeted and pragmatic way.’

‘Very strong subject matter expertise – high-quality advice for complex matters.’

‘Sidley has a number of outstanding life sciences lawyers. The ones I have worked with most recently are Olivier Goarnisson and Andreas Balsiger Betts.

‘Olivier is a long-standing advisor on highly technical matters. His in-house experience, and medical degree, make him an exceptional resource.’

‘Andreas has a valuable background at Swissmedic which makes him well-positioned to advise on Swiss pharma-specifics, and I have relied on him for complex interactions with regulatory authorities as well.’

Key clients

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ), Chair of Bioethics


Work highlights


  • Advised The Chair of Bioethics at ETHZ, which is heading one of the projects of the Swiss National Science Foundation’s National Research Programme 77, on legal assessments within the project, named Digital Health for the Benefit of the Whole Population.

Sigma Legal

Sigma Legal, jointly led by Stéphanie Chuffart-Finsterwald and Alain Alberini, is noted for its ‘excellent expertise and high quality advice’, assisting a diverse client base of biotech companies, home care entities, and medical institutions. The group regularly handles licensing agreements, in addition to advising on e-health and medical apps. In Geneva, Chuffart-Finsterwald is known for her extensive regulatory knowledge of healthcare and medical law, regularly assisting clients with mandates involving health data and medical secrecy. Working out of the Lausanne office, Alberini is well versed in handling a wide variety of issues, including patient rights and consent forms, and researcher labour agreements.

Practice head(s):

Stéphanie Chuffart-Finsterwald; Alain Alberini


Other key lawyers:

Alma Marchand


Testimonials

‘I found them to be engaged, empathetic and very professional. They took time to analyse all the documents, the history of the problem we were having and proposed carefully thought through solutions and strategies. They were clearly knowledgeable about intellectual property issues and dealing with the problem in different jurisdictions, which were both very helpful.’

‘The team actively listens and promptly seeks to grasp the problem’s context, employing a dedicated mindset to approach solutions. They effectively participated in an activity that might not have been directly aligned with their core expertise. This reflected a mutual agreement and openness to engage in new initiatives that we recognised as an innovative initiative, strengthening our collaboration.’

‘The team is well versed in healthcare, they have been very useful in applying their knowhow form other cases in the healthcare space to our business.’

Key clients

World Health Organization


MindMaze SA


ObsEva


Hôpital de La Tour SA


Clinique la Prairie


Hôpital Ophtalmique Jules-Gonin


Concept Foundation


EFORT, the European Federation of National Associations of Orthopaedics and Traumatology


EPOS, the European Paediatric Orthopaedic Society


EBJIS, the Leading European Bone and Joint Infection Society


Harlet Snug


Liris Tech SA


TWEAQ LTD


Gliapharm SA


Lian Group


Cabinet Medical du Faubourg


The Defeat-NCD Partnership


Work highlights


  • Advised Mindmaze on medical devices regulations under Swiss law. The client is active in digital neurotherapy, at the crossroad of health sciences, IT (including medicals softwares) and entertainment.
  • Advising the World Health Organization on issues relating to public health, in particular advice on matters relating to the Covid-19 Therapeutics Solidarity Trial and the Covid-19 vaccines Solidarity Trial; the establishment of the COVAX No-Fault Compensation Program for AMC Eligible Economies; and issues pertaining to R&D, IT, and sensitive privacy and data protection matters. The team assisted with strategy planning, the drafting of agreements, and the preparation of other documents of a legal nature as required by WHO.
  • Advised Hôpital Ophtalmique Jules Gonin on matters including health care and life sciences law, intellectual property, data protection law, labor law and litigation.

Walder Wyss Ltd.

Primarily based in Zurich, Walder Wyss Ltd. is noted for assisting healthcare and life sciences associations, healthcare insurance companies, and large hospitals. Practice co-head Michael Isler handles a broad range of technology related issues, including outsourcing, platform, and transfer projects. Working from both the Zurich and Bern offices, co-head Andreas Wildi primarily assists clients with domestic and international reimbursement and pricing mandates. Martin Zobl  has deep expertise in public procurement matters, having handled a range of disputes before administrative bodies.

Practice head(s):

Michael Isler; Andreas Wildi


Other key lawyers:

Martin Zobl


Testimonials

‘Excellent team, superb dedication to projects, very fast response time, great friendliness, they bring valuable input and ideas, very open for feedback, easy going, worked on a number of contracts with them and they really understand the business’

‘Deep insights in the system. Agile adaption to new situations. Very quick reaction times.’

‘Walder Swiss has a deep knowledge of reimbursement in the Swiss health care system. This was very useful for us.’

‘High level of engagement, high level of expertise, structured approach to problem solving. ’

‘Employees have a very in-depth and outstanding technical expertise. Due to the size of the team, the most diverse needs can be delivered with the best quality.’

‘Very well coordinated team, which solves tasks together according to the needs and requests of clients. A wide variety of technical specialists are available.’

‘Andreas Wildi has a huge experience knows the hurdles of the Swiss healthcare market, extremely good, quick response time, very competent.’

Key clients

Pfizer AG


Sanofi-Aventis (Schweiz) AG


Recordati AG


Swiss Medical Association


Hirslanden AG


ExcellGene SA


Neuraxpharm Switzerland AG


MediService AG


Vereinigung Pharmafirmen in der Schweiz


OrPha Swiss GmbH


Merz Pharma (Schweiz) AG


BeiGene Switzerland GmbH


Verein Berufliche Grundbildung Augenoptik


OPTIKSCHWEIZ


Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology Basel (IOB)


Exact Sciences International GmbH


Daiichi Sankyo (Schweiz) AG


Johner Institut Schweiz GmbH


Biogen Switzerland AG


Ufenau Capital Partners AG


Emeda AG


Lundbeck GmbH


KKS Ultraschall AG


Work highlights


  • Advised and represented Pfizer in various price reduction and access to confidential pricing models proceedings before the Federal Administrative Court and advised Sanofi-Aventis (Schweiz) AG on various market access (pricing & reimbursement) inquiries.
  • Advising and representing various privately held hospitals of the Hirslanden Group in hospital planning proceedings in numerous Swiss Cantons (regular hospital planning being a cantonal matter, aiming at awarding public performance mandates for certain medical disciplines of public interest), and in 13 inter-cantonal planning proceedings in the field of highly specialized medical services before the inter-cantonal planning body in charge and the Federal Administrative Court.
  • Represented Neuraxpharm Switzerland AG before Swissmedic resulting in a change of practice on the part of Swissmedic, advised OptikSchweiz to initiate and successfully realize a change in the implementation provisions of the law, advised the leading pharma association VIPS in the preparation of statements towards the Swiss Government and provided a legal opinion to Swiss Medical Association (FMH) on the impact of the new medical device regulation for healthcare providers using medical device software.

Wenger Vieli Ltd

Wenger Vieli Ltd acts for a variety of start-ups and global players in the pharma and medical device industries in mandates involving joint ventures, M&A, and disputes before the Federal Office of Public Health. In the Zurich office, practice head Frank Scherrer assists a range of biotech, medical device, and pharma companies on market access and establishment licences. Marcel Boller is particularly adept at advising on clinical research and distribution systems.

Practice head(s):

Frank Scherrer


Other key lawyers:

Marcel Boller


Work highlights


  • Representing pharmaceutical companies in appeal proceedings regarding the price at which pharmaceutical products are reimbursed.
  • Representing a pharmaceutical company in appeal proceedings regarding the deletion of one of its products from the list of reimbursed products.
  • Advising a pharmaceutical company in Switzerland on ongoing legal reviews of all advertising and information materials.

Wenger Plattner

The team at Wenger Plattner acts for its varied client roster of hospitals, insurance companies, and healthcare organisations. In Basel, practice head Tobias Meili is noted for his broad knowledge of M&A, corporate governance issues, and banking and finance matters, and Carlo Conti regularly assists clients with mandates involving healthcare, governmental, and administrative law. Zurich’s Oliver Künzler handles a range of cross-border M&A, and restructurings.

Practice head(s):

Tobias Meili


Testimonials

‘Very knowledgeable people. Very good network into the business.’

Key clients

Mathys AG Bettlach


Bio-Techne


Labor Team w


SWICA


Zurzach Care AG


Schweizerische Diabetes-Stiftung


Casavita Stiftung


Medgate AG


Universitätsspital Zürich


Bachem AG


Sana Kliniken AG


Sana Suisse Med AG


Swiss Medical Network Hospitals SA


GSMN Suisse SA


Work highlights


  • Assisted Bachem AG with negotiating several strategic collaborations with global pharmaceutical companies for the development and manufacture of oligonucleotide- or peptide-based APIs for new pharmaceutical products.
  • Acted for Bio-Techne in the acquisition of Lunaphore Technologies AG.
  • Assisted Sana Kliniken AG in launching the group’s operations in Switzerland.