Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals


In the highly complex, highly regulated sector of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, we seize the opportunities open to you.

The UK is at the forefront of pharmaceutical and biotechnology development. We have a nationally-renowned multi-disciplinary team focused on this innovative industry, including specialists advising on:

  • Corporate, commercial and financing transactions
  • Patents and IP
  • Privacy, regulation and compliance
  • HR, immigration and pensions
  • Product liability
  • Dispute management
  • Tax and share options
  • Real estate

Our experience

  • Advising a UK pharma client on pharmaceutical distribution transactions in a number of overseas jurisdictions

  • Advising a listed global animal medicines business on a complex collaboration with a Spanish biotech business, involving the development and onward commercialisation of vaccine technology, and consideration of regulatory issues

  • Supporting an orphan drugs group on the development and commercialisation of its lead drug candidates, in particular, on its suite of supply chain, serialisation and market access agreements, a Phase III clinical trial programme, and the set-up of EU operations

  • Advising a Swiss-based biotech business on a range of technology in-licensing transactions

  • Advising on a large number of fundraisings (including IPOs) for a number of pharma and biotech clients

  • Supporting a Danish global pharma group on UK product compliance issues

  • Providing strategic HR support to a number of global pharma businesses

  • Advising a global pharma business on data compliance issues around a clinical trial

  • Advising a major university on the licensing of plant variety portfolios to a European industry partner

  • Advising Autolus on its relocation to former BBC base at White City in London

Did you know?

Significant international experience

We regularly act for UK life sciences businesses on transactions in North America, throughout Europe and in Asia.

Strength across connected sectors

Our market-leading university, charity and healthcare practices mean that we've seen the issues you're facing from all sides.

Ranked as a leading practice

Ranked nationally and regionally in Legal 500. All of our leading lawyers are ranked in the main legal directories.

What our clients say about us

“Thank you, you have made this a tremendous learning experience for me and guided our company to a satisfactory outcome maintain the respect for both parties. Your prep-sessions were spot-on sending me into the 'arena' feeling confident to do the job with all the scenarios worked out in my head.”

HR Director

Pharmaceutical client

“Pharmaceutical and biotech sector expertise is first class... consistently provides sound, pragmatic advice.”

Legal 500

“Excellent service at reasonable rates...first class, pragmatic and timely advice.”

Legal 500

Our clients

Our clients include:

  • Global organisations
  • Fast-growing companies in a wide range of therapeutic areas
  • Universities involved in world-renowned research
  • Leading research institutes
  • Major research charities
  • Government organisations
  • Leading sector fund managers

Get in touch

Our team of legal experts are here to support you.
Contact one of our lawyers today.

Contact us

Our expertise


Life sciences
Medical devices, diagnostics and medtech
Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals

Meet our biotechnology and pharmaceuticals team

Life Sciences blog

Our life sciences blog brings you up to date news and views on legal, regulation and policy decisions affecting the life science sector.
Read our blog

Technology blog 

We also contribute to Mills & Reeve's technology blog and GDPR articles. 

Read our blog

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