DLA Piper’s healthcare and life sciences practice works within the firm’s global network to act for leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies in complex regulatory and transactional mandates covering market launches and expansion, product commercialisation and renumeration model designs, and on an array of internal healthcare regulatory compliance questions. Dually qualified as a medical doctor and a lawyer, the practice is led by Kokularajah Paheenthararajah, who brings experience in complex patent and licensing litigation concerning future life sciences technology. The team can bring expertise from a range of different legal areas: corporate law specialist Moritz von Hesberg acts on cross-border healthcare M&A, and counsel Thilo Streit has relevant experience in regulatory matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'DLA Piper's life sciences team stands out for its deep understanding of both the legal landscape and the unique challenges the healthcare and medical technology industries face today. The team includes a partner with a medical degree, which is a rare and invaluable asset in legal practice. This expertise enables DLA to not only understand the regulatory environment, but also to anticipate the practical concerns and strategic priorities of clients operating in highly technical, regulated industries like ours.'
- ‘Kokularajah Paheenthararajah brings an unmatched perspective through his dual qualifications in law and medicine. His ability to speak the language of both the legal profession and the healthcare industry makes him stand out from his peers. He understands not only the legal complexities but also the practical and often nuanced challenged faced by businesses operating at the intersection of healthcare and technology. He is highly attuned to the realities to the realities that irritate clients in practice and provides advice that addresses the root of the issue - he knows exactly where to scratch the itch.'
- 'The team around Kokularajah Paheenthararajah is distinguished by remarkable professional versatility, an international outlook, and a strong focus on innovation. Clients benefit from a highly skilled group that collaborates closely across practice groups, allowing them to solve complex legal issues holistically and with a pragmatic approach.'
- 'Kokularajah Paheenthararajah stands out with his outstanding technical expertise, integrity, and genuine passion for his profession. Both clients and colleagues appreciate his ability to communicate complex legal matters in a clear and solution-oriented manner and his committed, hands-on approach to client interests. What sets him apart from his competitors is his multidisciplinary perspective and his ability to bridge international business practice with German and European legal requirements in the healthcare sector.'
- ‘DLA Piper stands out with its rare blend of global reach and personal dedication. What truly sets them apart is their ability to simplify complexity, move fast without cutting corners, and always think three steps ahead. Clients would be impressed by the team’s deep expertise, seamless collaboration across borders, and unwavering commitment to outcomes. Compared to others, DLA doesn’t just practice law, they empower business. Their innovation lies in how human they’ve made the legal process.’
- 'The individuals at DLA Piper are exceptional: brilliant, strategic, and genuinely committed. What sets them apart is their ability to combine top-tier legal expertise with a calm, solutions-focused approach that inspires trust. I’ve especially valued the clarity, integrity, and responsiveness they bring to every challenge. Moritz von Hesberg stands out for his razor-sharp legal mind and steady leadership.'
Key clients
- Buenavista Equity Partners
- Healy World GmbH
- Eli Lilly
- Acadia Pharmaceuticals
- Iovance Biotherapeutics, Inc
- AbbVie
- Grünenthal Pharma
- Gilead Sciences Inc.
- Merck Sharp & Dohme
- Dentsply Sirona
- Sanofi
- Ovy
Work highlights
Advised Buenavista Equity Partners on the acquisition of Chrestos Concept GmbH & Co. KG.
Represented Healy World GmbH out of court and in court in regulatory and freedom of expression proceedings before the Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt a.D. and in Vienna.
Practice head
Kokularajah Paheenthararajah
Other key lawyers
Thilo Streit; Moritz von Hesberg