Demarest Advogados’ life sciences practice was recently strengthened with the appointment of new practice head Elysangela Rabelo, who joined from Rabelo Law. Rabelo brings extensive experience in regulatory matters and commercial transactions within the life sciences and healthcare sectors, and regularly advises clients on public-private partnerships (PPPs). The practice is adept at advising clients on safety, quality, and regulatory standards, offering counsel on licensing and regulatory issues. Public law specialist Bruno Aurélio co-leads the practice, assisting tobacco, pharmaceutical, and healthcare clients with administrative processes and public law cases. Co-lead Claudio Mattos focuses on regulatory matters for pharmaceuticals and bio-controlled substances, disputes involving genetically modified organisms, and contractual issues. Camila Biral is the go-to lawyer for pharmaceutical and biotechnology clients involved in liability disputes. Nicole Aun, who has extensive experience in biotechnology, bioinputs, contracts, digital health, M&A and corporate structuring, joined from Pinheiro Neto Advogados in August 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The practice boasts dependable knowledge and is very business-driven. These two characteristics make them an amazing business partner.
‘Elysangela Rabelo is probably one of the sharpest lawyers in the field. Very knowledgeable, always taking the extra mile. ’
'The firm stands out for its ability to act in an agile manner, with in-depth legal knowledge, but also with a very clear business vision - something that is essential in times of pressure and exposure. The team demonstrates high seniority, but also closeness and empathy, which makes the experience different from other players in the market. An important differentiator is the ability to quickly mobilise professionals from different areas of law, ensuring integrated and consistent action.'
'Demarest stands out not only for its technical excellence, but for being able to deliver real value to clients in critical situations, with intelligence, innovation and a level of partnership that is rare in the domestic market.'
Key clients
- Produtos Roche Químicos e Farmacêuticos S.A.
- Dow Brasil Indústria e Comércio de Produtos Químicos Ltda.
- IMCD Brasil Farmacêuticos Importação, Exportação e Representações Ltda.
- Ecolab Química Ltda.
- Aon Serviços Saúde
- Boston Gene Corporation
- Gelita do Brasil Ltda.
- Bayer S.A.
- JT International Distribuidora de Cigarros Ltda.
- CareDx Inc. (Alston & Bird LLC.)
- Grupo DPSP – Drogaria São Paulo e Pacheco
- Hoya Lens Brazil
Work highlights
Assisted Boston Gene Corporation with entering the Brazilian market.
Assisted Roche with analysing specific legislation on importation by hospitals and individuals to identify irregularities and present alternatives for Roche to handle a situation.
Advised R2Pharma S.A on the corporate, contractual and regulatory matters related to the formation of the joint venture with Telix Innovations.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Nicole Aun
Practice head
Elysangela Rabelo; Bruno Aurélio; Claudio Mattos
Other key lawyers
Camila Biral; Tatiana Campello; Giulio Gatti; Nicole Aun