Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas is recognised for its full-service approach to managing life sciences matters, effectively supporting clients across the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, healthcare and cannabis sectors with all aspects of regulatory and patent issues. The team frequently handles sanitary and health registrations, as well as patent prosecutions. Following the departure of department co-head Mónica Bonnett in June 2025, the practice is now solely led by Luz Helena Adarve, who brings extensive experience in the licensing, registration and governance of pharmaceutical products and regulated substances, while also managing IP portfolios. Additionally, IP specialist Juanita Acosta plays a critical role in portfolio management within the practice.
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Client satisfaction: Lawyer & team quality
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- Dentons Cardenas & Cardenas stands out for its exceptional command of the local patent system combined with a seamless global perspective. Their team’s deep expertise in the biological sciences makes them a highly capable partner for complex IP matters. What clients truly value is their ease of collaboration—they bridge local nuances with international standards effortlessly, offering a level of accessibility and practical insight that sets them apart from other regional firms.
- Excellent communication, clear and precise explanations, knowledge of the subject, timely response, and total friendliness.
- The service is timely and very thorough.
- The firm's lawyers are known for their professionalism, clarity, and practical approach. They are approachable, reliable, and highly competent, and their work consistently meets our expectations.
- The team is professional, efficient, and maintains a collaborative approach that makes working with them easy and reliable. Their experience and dedication ensure high-quality service at all times.
- Dentons Cárdenas & Cárdenas' Life Sciences practice is distinguished by its comprehensive and highly specialized approach to the healthcare regulatory sector, combining in-depth technical knowledge with a strategic understanding of the business. One of the team's key differentiators is its ability to provide cross-functional advice throughout the entire product lifecycle, from regulatory registration and compliance to market access strategies, advertising, data protection, intellectual property, and risk management related to competition and healthcare liability. This perspective allows the firm to offer coordinated and efficient solutions, particularly valuable for multinational companies operating in highly regulated environments.
Key clients
- Health Net
- Marbelize
- José Collado
- Dos Marcan
- G&G Sucesores
- Postobon
- Danziger Dan Flower Farm
- Progeny Breeding Innovation
- Alcala Oliva
- Diana Corporación
Work highlights
Advised Health Net on obtaining INVIMA health registration for bortezomib, a treatment for multiple myeloma, facilitating its commercialization in Colombia and ensuring compliance with updated regulatory requirements.
Advised Marbelize on INVIMA sanitary procedures relating to the release of detained canned tuna shipments, ensuring compliance with Colombian food regulations and minimising disruption to its commercial operations.
Advised José Collado on the regulatory classification and INVIMA compliance strategy for a portfolio of food-industry hygiene products.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Luz Helena Adarve
Other key lawyers
Juanita Acosta