The ‘knowledgeable’ and ’pragmatic’ team at Stephenson Harwood advises a host of life sciences clients on corporate and commercial transactions, including VC investments, M&A, and collaboration and commercialisation arrangements. The practice is led by ‘top-tier’ Alexandra Pygall, noted for her experience in contentious and non-contentious IP matters, including transactions and litigation. Both recognised for their ’expertise and commitment’ Dan Holland focuses on the manufacturing and distribution of cell and gene therapy products, while Naomi Leach handles transactional IP matters, including licensing and collaboration agreements. Kristian Shearsby guides both start-ups and listed life sciences companies through corporate and IP transactions, with a strong nexus to the US market. Corporate specialist Michelle Gomes was promoted to partner in May 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team has impressive expertise and capability across life sciences, particularly licensing, manufacturing, corporate and an increasing strength in AI and digital health. Whilst it is a small team, the collaboration across the partners is impressive and ensures that there is a joined-up approach when providing advice. Stephenson Harwood's expertise in manufacturing (in particular clinical and commercial agreements with CMOs) is a unique capability which is not prevalent in other firms.'
- 'The team is innovative, business-focused, and responsive. They are legal experts and strategists able to be both tactical as well as strategic.'
- 'Very knowledgeable of the industry, pragmatic, able to counsel through risk. A true business partner.'
- ‘The team has an actual thorough expertise in life sciences. It is one of the niche firms that we can rely on for their expertise in our industry.’
- 'Alexandra Pygall is a terrific lawyer and has been a great partner to me. She combines an understanding of transactions and litigations in a fantastic way to enable great results for her clients.'
‘Alexandra Pygall has excellent industry knowledge and provides fantastic support for licensing and collaboration transactions. She is building a strong team of juniors and cross-functional specialists. She combines contentious and non-contentious experience to great effect.’
Key clients
- Avacta Therapeutics
- Dr. Falk Pharma
- RQ Biotechnology
- Ixico plc
- Topas Therapeutics
- Bicycle Therapeutics plc
- OXB
- e-therapeutics
- BioNTech
- Cavendish Capital Markets Limited and Zeus Capital
- Novacyt
- BxTA
Work highlights
Acted for Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH (a German family-owned, multi-national, pharmaceutical company business) on its successful acquisition of Kynos Therapeutics Ltd (a UK clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development of novel treatments for patients suffering from acute and chronic inflammatory diseases).
Advised e-therapeutics plc on its £28.9 million fundraise by way of subscription by funds managed by M&G Investment Management Limited and Richard Griffiths and his controlled undertakings, each in existing shareholders; and cancellation of its admission to AIM.
Advising Avacta Therapeutics in relation to licensing and related arrangements, a stock option agreement, CRO agreements and certain corporate advisory queries, including with regard to the company's proposed listing on NASDAQ.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Alexandra Pygall
Other key lawyers
Kristian Shearsby; Dan Holland; Naomi Leach; Laura Elliott; Michelle Gomes; Rob Jacob