Gowling WLG‘s life sciences team is well-placed to advise global pharma companies on transactions, notably licensing and collaboration agreements, and complex patent litigation and strategy. The firm’s capabilities extend to health and social care transactions, acting for both providers and investors. Co-heading the practice are Patrick Duxbury, recognised for his IP transactional work, and Robert Breedon, who advises public and private clients on commercial healthcare projects and outsourcing contracts. Paul Inman and Huw Evans handle high-profile patent litigation, while Ian Piggin acts on M&A, investment and structuring matters in the sector. Samantha Myers, Jenny Davies and Matt Hervey are no longer with the firm.
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Key clients

  • BioNTech
  • Gyrus Capital
  • Neurim Pharmaceuticals
  • European Pharmaceutical Company
  • AstraZeneca
  • Molecular Instruments
  • Eisai
  • Bial Portela
  • Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
  • GlaxoSmithKline
  • Apposite Capital
  • Sosei Heptares
  • LumiraDx
  • Achilles Therapeutics
  • Levicept
  • Fresenius Medical Care Renal Services Limited
  • Getinge Group
  • Guy's & St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
  • Montreux Healthcare Fixed Yield Fund
  • NHS Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Work highlights

Advised Molecular Instruments, Inc. in their defence of a patent infringement action brought by Advanced Cell Diagnostics Inc (ACD).
Advising GlaxoSmithKline on litigation commenced by Pfizer in mid-2022 to revoke three of GSK's patents. This is the first dispute between GSK and Pfizer to reach trial and there is ongoing parallel litigation, including at the UPC.
Advising Neurim Pharmaceuticals in a series of disputes with Mylan, now known as Viatris, concerning its Circadin product (a tablet containing a specific form of melatonin).

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.

Patrick Duxbury

Practice head

Robert Breedon; Patrick Duxbury

Other key lawyers

Paul Inman; Huw Evans; Ian Piggin; Luke Kempton; Christopher Freeth