Key team members:

Maria João Maia, Legal and HR Director

Filipe Evaristo, Legal and Regulatory Manager

Marta Claro, Nominated Signatory Coordinator

Team size: Three

What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

Our legal team has played a pivotal role in the company’s strategic transformation, notably by leading the legal aspects of relocating our corporate headquarters. This high-impact project required the coordination of multiple legal domains, including real estate, contract negotiation, regulatory compliance, employment, and data privacy. We conducted a thorough due diligence process, negotiated terms with real estate and service partners, and secured the necessary permits and licenses under tight deadlines. We also managed sensitive employment law transitions and ensured a compliant and secure data migration, all while minimising operational disruption. This move not only optimised our real estate footprint but also enhanced cross-functional collaboration and operational efficiency.

How does your team contribute to the overall business strategy of the company? Can you share an example of a recent legal-led initiative that had a significant impact?

We act as strategic business partners, embedding legal expertise early in business planning to anticipate risks, support growth, and ensure sustainable compliance. A strong example is our instrumental role in the design and implementation of the Lisbon Hub – a central platform consolidating critical operations and supporting business scalability.

Our legal team designed a comprehensive legal-operational framework for the Hub, addressing regulatory, tax, labour, and corporate dimensions. We structured internal governance processes, negotiated key contracts, and ensured alignment with both Portuguese and EU regulatory requirements. We also developed onboarding materials and conducted legal training for new employees, ensuring company-wide awareness of compliance standards and ethical responsibilities.

The clawback arbitration is another example of legal-led impact. It went beyond resolving a legal dispute – it directly influenced our financial planning strategy and clarified an important legal question with far-reaching effects. By translating complex legal risk into actionable business value, we continue to demonstrate that legal strategy is integral to corporate performance.

What are some of the biggest legal or regulatory challenges currently facing your industry, and how is your team preparing to address them?

The pharmaceutical sector is facing increasing regulatory complexity, particularly following the enactment of Law no. 94/2021, which tightened rules on drug promotion and interactions with healthcare professionals. Simultaneously, Portugal’s implementation of the National Anti-Corruption Mechanism and Law no. 93/2021 on whistleblower protection has significantly elevated compliance expectations.

To meet these challenges, we have implemented a robust corruption risk prevention plan, tailored specifically to pharmaceutical industry requirements. We regularly update our internal policies and reinforce them with mandatory training and operational controls. All interactions with healthcare professionals are subject to legal oversight, and financial transparency is ensured through rigorous documentation and traceability measures.

We are also closely monitoring the growing impact of artificial intelligence across the life sciences sector. While AI presents unprecedented opportunities — from predictive analytics to operational automation — it also introduces heightened legal risks, particularly in terms of data privacy and ethical use. Our team is actively involved in reviewing AI-related initiatives, ensuring GDPR compliance, and advising on ethical frameworks for AI deployment. We are investing in legal tech knowledge and cross-functional collaboration to ensure that innovation and compliance go hand in hand.

By anticipating and addressing these regulatory shifts, our legal department is not only ensuring compliance but also positioning the company as a forward-looking player in a heavily regulated and rapidly evolving industry.

How do you approach talent development and knowledge sharing within your legal team? Are there any specific practices or programmes in place?

At AstraZeneca, we view talent development and knowledge sharing within our legal team as a lifelong learning journey. We deeply believe that continuous learning is essential throughout our careers, extending beyond just our area of expertise.

To support this, we invest in a variety of training programs, including those focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI). These programs aim to simplify the way we work and enhance our skills in leveraging cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, we prioritise training on new directives that must be implemented, ensuring our team remains compliant and well-informed.

We also facilitate the sharing of best practices through both internal and external forums. These platforms allow our team members to exchange insights and learn from one another, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment. By engaging in these activities, we ensure that our legal team is equipped to navigate the complexities of our industry while continuously growing and adapting.