Clifford Chance‘s healthcare and life sciences practice impresses with a diverse advisory offering, which consists of transactions, regulatory and compliance as well as healthcare technology. The team includes experts from various disciplines, such as data and corporate law, and advises major international pharmaceutical, medical device and healthcare companies, which also benefit from the firm’s international network. Among the most recent instructions was the support in large-volume transactions, the design of supply and distribution systems for medicinal cannabis as well as the advice on ESG-related matters; the team also took the lead in constitutional complaint proceedings against the temporary increase in the general manufacturer’s discount for pharmaceuticals. Since May 2024, the group is led by Peter Dieners (compliance), Ulrich Reese, Gunnar Sachs (healthcare technology), and Torsten Syrbe. The latter combines expertise in antitrust law with longstanding transaction support and regulatory competencies, while Reese is an expert in copyright issues and regularly advises on the advertising, distribution and reimbursement of medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Strong team in health law, which is characterized above all by decades of experience in this field and can implement this in a particularly pragmatic way. Creative solutions are part of the firm's standard tools. The full-service character of the firm provides the security and comfort of receiving overall strategic advice for every inquiry.'

  • 'Gunnar Sachs is always available with dedication and goes the extra mile for every request to achieve positive results for the client. On a personal level, it is always a pleasure to work with him. He is supported by a great team of associates who are technically excellent and, in combination with the partners' many years of experience, form a top team.'

  • 'Unique expertise, very business-related advice.'
  • 'Compact advice to meet the business requirements of life science clients. Torsten Syrbe's more than 20 years of expertise and excellent industry knowledge are a great asset and a great support.'
  • 'The Clifford Chance team in Düsseldorf is very experienced in the life science and medical technology sector, as well as being practice-oriented, fast, uncomplicated, solution-oriented and excellent at communicating solutions.'

  • 'Gunnar Sachs and Peter Dieners have extensive knowledge in the field of medical technology - from medicinal product advertising law to healthcare compliance. The collaboration is excellent in terms of expertise and very pleasant on a personal level. They understand our challenges and offer excellent solutions.'

  • 'The law firm's team is always up to date. Discussions are very well prepared and goal-oriented. Online appointments are always punctual and technically flawless. Invoicing is detailed and comprehensible and is issued promptly.'

  • 'Fast, top quality, strategically and tactically excellent.'

Key clients

  • Ipsen Pharma und JanssenCilag Pharma GmbH
  • Abbott Laboratories Inc.
  • Pfizer Inc.
  • Zoetis Services LLC
  • Neuraxpharm Pharmaceuticals S.L.

Work highlights

Filing of a constitutional complaint for Ipsen Pharma GmbH and Janssen Cilag Pharma GmbH against provisions of the Statutory Health Insurance Financial Stabilization Act and the Drug Supply Shortages Control and Supply Improvement Act.
Advising Pfizer Inc. on the legal integration of Global Blood Therapeutics into Pfizer structures in various European countries following the acquisition of the company.  

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Ulrich Reese

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Peter Dieners
Gunnar Sachs

Practice head

Peter Dieners; Ulrich Reese; Gunnar Sachs; Torsten Syrbe

Other key lawyers

Claudia Nawroth; Carolin Kemmner; Caroline Giesen; Yannick Frost