One of the pre-eminent law firms in France for healthcare and life sciences, Dechert LLP is regularly instructed by pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, as well as laboratories and nursing homes. Clients regularly turn to the team for assistance with regulatory compliance, pricing matters, product liability complaints, and complex life sciences and pharmaceutical litigation. Co-heading the practice, Mélanie Thill-Tayara is an experienced litigator, well-known in the market for handling antitrust and competition matters at EU and French level for major life sciences, pharmaceutical and healthcare clients, while Alain Decombe’s broad expertise extends across the full remit of corporate transactions. Sophie Pelé has in-depth knowledge of litigation in strategic market access cases.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Sophie Pelé stands out for her expertise and in-depth knowledge of the life sciences sector. She is capable of interacting with the highest level of leadership in a corporate organization.’
- ‘The team possesses cutting-edge expertise in addressing complex issues. The team benefits from a network of regulatory partners in key European countries, enabling the management of regional cases.’
- 'On the most complex cases, Sophie Pelé distinguishes herself through a strategic, pragmatic, and solution-oriented approach, making her a trusted partner. She accurately grasps commercial issues, anticipates litigation risks with foresight, and is adept at communicating with regulatory authorities.'
- ‘Sophie Pelé is a leading expert in life sciences regulatory law. With exemplary availability and unwavering enthusiasm, she combines in-depth legal expertise with a keen understanding of the sector's realities.'
Key clients
- ARCHIMED
- Abivax
- Chiesi Farmaceutici S.P.A
- Poxel
- Roche
- Stragen France
- Virbac
Work highlights
Advised Virbac Santé Animale in its successful complaint before the European Commission to challenge a “killer acquisition” made by Zoetis.
Advised Abivax on US$747.5 million public offering on Nasdaq.
Advised Poxel on its non-dilutive financing agreement with OrbiMed for US$50 million, including the monetization of Poxel's future royalties.
Lawyers
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Practice head
Alain Decombe; Mélanie Thill-Tayara
Other key lawyers
Sophie Pelé