Sidley Austin LLP is particularly impressive in the life sciences regulatory space, entrusted by multinational clients to handle data protection, investigations, anti-corruption, as well as export control and sanctions. Other key practice strengths include out-licensing, commercialisation and financing matters. The practice is jointly led from the Beijing office by Lei Li, who assists medical device, pharmaceutical and dietary supplement companies in China on a wide range of regulatory, corporate and commercial issues; Li is also equipped to handle complex antitrust compliance and high-profile government investigations. Co-head Chen Yang boasts over two decades of experience advising multinational companies on investments and assisting Chinese government agencies on overseas litigation. Ruchun Ji is well-versed in domestic and cross-border inbound and outbound M&A, venture capital and acquisitions, frequently representing innovative life science companies throughout their entire life cycle.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘The team's practice covers the entire drug development lifecycle. Experienced lawyers provide support at each stage of the lifecycle.
- ‘High degree of cooperation, familiar with industry practices, problem-solving orientation.'
- ‘Deep understanding of the operations of companies in the life sciences industry. Providing professional and efficient legal services. Deeply understanding client needs and providing targeted, solution-oriented legal advice.'
‘Characterised by a clear service orientation, a client-first approach, and continuous innovation, the team specialises in legal areas such as compliance, regulation, and data privacy, ensuring deep expertise and extensive practical experience in these areas.
'Team members possess extensive industry experience and professional certifications, enabling them to provide clients with high-quality legal services. Through efficient collaboration, they have served nearly all foreign-funded innovative pharmaceutical companies, demonstrating their ability and expertise in handling complex legal matters.'
'The team prioritises personalised service, aligning with laws and regulations, and working closely with clients to improve the efficiency and quality of legal services. They also prioritise diversity and inclusiveness, attracting professionals from diverse backgrounds. The team boasts a strong international background and a diverse range of legal professionals.'
Key clients
- BioRay Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
- Organon
- Caidya
- R-Bridge II Investment One Limited
Work highlights
Advised Caidya, a leading global mid-sized CRO, in its US$165 million strategic growth investment from funds managed by Rubicon Founders, a U.S.-based healthcare investment firm focused on building and growing transformational companies.
Advised BioRay Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (a China-based innovative drug company) in a licensing deal with UCB, under which UCB licensed out its blockbuster dermatology drug Bimekizumab to BioRay for its launch and commercialisation in China.
Advised R-Bridge II Investment One Limited, a subsidiary of healthcare-focused CBC Group, on a royalty-linked pre-IPO financing for Mirxes Holding Company Limited (Mirxes), a Singapore-headquartered RNA technology company.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Chen Yang
Practice head
Lei Li; Chen Yang
Other key lawyers
Ruchun Ji