The breadth of Clifford Chance’s healthcare and life sciences practice is illustrated by a client roster spanning pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers, hospitals and care homes, and global healthcare companies. The firm’s instructions cover competition and regulatory disputes, establishment and governance of distribution models at the European and international scale, transactions and post-transactional compliance and drug advertising, marketing and licensing questions. In 2025, the practice has recently expanded into AI and blockchain-based healthcare projects and solutions. The team includes members with multidisciplinary expertise: Gunnar Sachs is an IP law expert who also leads on digitalisation projects, Peter Dieners, who excels in the field of healthcare regulatory compliance, and Ulrich Reese, who has decades of experience in copyright disputes and proceedings. Torsten Syrbe is a key international contact, and Manuela Steininger advises on pharmaceutical marketing regulations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Very engaged and committed team. Strong life sciences experience, especially in Germany.’
- ‘Gunnar Sachs is very well connected and has very good experience in traditional life sciences and technology. His advice is quick, thorough and clear. He is very responsive.’
- ‘Gunnar Sachs has excellent problem-solving skills.’
- ‘The Clifford Chance team demonstrates an exceptional client focus and a consistently high level of responsiveness. They are readily available to address newly emerging legal matters at very short notice, ensuring that urgent issues are handled promptly and effectively. Their approach is marked by a strong sense of accountability and a results-oriented mindset. The primary objective is always to achieve the best possible outcome for us as the client, regardless of the workload or time constraints this may entail for the Clifford Chance team.’
- ‘Gunnar Sachs has successfully represented us in court for many years. In contrast to other legal advisors we work with on various matters, Gunnar distinguishes himself through a calm, precise, and fact-driven style of argumentation. His meticulous preparation and deep familiarity with every nuance of a case allow him to present complex legal matters with clarity and authority, often without the need to refer to his notes or documentation. This greatly enhances the persuasiveness and composure of his courtroom appearances.’
- ‘Very trustful and collaborative cooperation on very high level of skills and knowledge.’
- ‘Gunnar Sachs is an exceptional healthcare lawyer, with deep knowledge not only related to legal framework but also related to profound strategic business acumen. ’
Key clients
- Amazon
- Biotronik
- CBC Group and Mubadala
- EMD Serono
- dsm-firmenich
- Deutsche Entwicklungs Gesellschaft DEG
- Heilpflanzenwohl
- Fresenius
- Fujifilm
- Hitachi
- Hochtief
- Ipsen Pharma/Janssen Cilag Pharma
- Keymed Biosciences
- Louis Dreyfus Company Suisse
- Merck
- Mitsui
- Neuraxpharm
- Opella
- Octapharma
- PharmaMed
Work highlights
Advised a research institution co-funded by the German government and a number of federal and state ministries on a multi-year, large-scale project to develop the first fully integrated cloud-based health data platform in Europe.
Advised a global pharmaceuticals company on the development and roll-out of a blockchain-based online platform for tracking regulated healthcare products through the entire supply chain
Advised a global online retailer on setting up and operating an online shop for prescription glasses and lenses, and on developing and introducing cloud-based virtual assistants in healthcare settings in Europe.
Lawyers
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Leading partners
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Leading associates
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Practice head
Gunnar Sachs; Peter Dieners; Ulrich Reese; Torsten Syrbe
Other key lawyers
Manuela Steininger