Life Sciences & Healthcare

Our team advises biotechnology, medical device, pharmaceutical and other companies in the life sciences ecosystem on structuring, negotiating, drafting and managing partnership agreements. Clients value our commercial insight, sector knowledge, and ability to anticipate risks and unlock value from complex partnerships. We focus on building positive partnerships to foster the trust required for long-lasting and productive relationships.

We advise our clients on a variety of deal structures to develop, exploit and monetise IP, products and technologies, including:

• Research and development agreements
• In- and out-licences
• Collaborations, strategic alliances and joint ventures
• Co-development, co-commercialisation and co-promotion agreements
• Royalty monetisation agreements

Recent experience includes:

• Advised Bicycle Therapeutics on strategic collaborations in parallel with Bayer and Novartis to develop, manufacture and commercialise Bicycle radioconjugates for oncology targets, securing $45 million and $50 million in upfront payments respectively, milestone payments totalling up to $1.7 billion per deal, and royalties.
• Advised Shield Therapeutics on exclusive licences for ACCRUFeR® in a number of jurisdictions around the world, securing an upfront payment, milestones, and royalties in respect of each.
• Advised BenevolentAI on a collaboration with Merck using AI to deliver novel drug candidates, with eligibility for payments up to $594 million and tiered royalties.
• Advised GE HealthCare on an exclusive worldwide out-licence of GE HealthCare's Optison and Sonazoid microbubble products to SonoThera for use in the development and commercialisation of SonoThera's novel ultrasound-guided gene therapy platform.
• Advised AM-Pharma on a €245 million exclusive licence agreement with Kyowa Kirin for the development and commercialisation of ilofotase alfa in Japan. 

If you require licensing and collaboration agreements advice, please contact Alexandra Pygall or Naomi Leach.

We act for innovators and CMOs to support them in putting in place appropriate manufacturing agreements for clinical and commercial product. We are on both sides of these arrangements on an ongoing basis, so we can help our clients understand the current market trends and suggest practical solutions to manage risk.

We regularly advise our clients on, but not limited to:

• Contract manufacturing agreements
• Distribution, logistics and wholesaler agreements
• Technology transfers
• Clinical trial agreements

Recent experience includes:

• Advised on an agreement between collaboration partners for the manufacture and supply of product in anticipation of commercial launch in multiple territories.
• Advised a US-based start-up in relation to agreements for the manufacture of drug substance and drug product for CNS therapies.
• Advised a viral vector CDMO on a range of supply agreements for cell and gene therapy products, including clinical and commercial.
• Advised a US-based cell therapy manufacturer in relation to a number of agreements for the manufacture of allogeneic and autologous clinical products.

If you require manufacturing and tech ops advice, please contact Dan Holland or Naomi Leach.

Our team acts for clients in complex disputes in the life sciences sector involving all subject matters. Clients trust us for our sector expertise, litigation strategy and ability to coordinate disputes across borders for effective outcomes. We advise on disputes before all forums, including courts, arbitration tribunals and regulatory bodies. We seek out commercially focused and practical resolutions and advise on all forms of alternative dispute resolution, including mediation.

We advise our clients on a wide variety of business-critical disputes, including:

• IP
• Licensing and collaboration deals
• M&A transactions
• Commercial contracts
• Data privacy and cybersecurity
• Competition
• Employment
• Real estate
• Tax

Recent experience includes:

• Advised a biotechnology company on rights and obligations relating to the replacement of faulty vaccine batches, helping manage product risk and regulatory compliance.
• Acted for Primer Design and its French parent company Novacyt S.A. in defending a £134 million claim and pursuing an £81 million counterclaim against the UK government. The dispute arose from conduct by the UK government and the NHS involving high-value procurement decisions under a contract to supply COVID-19 testing kits. The case was listed for a four-week trial but settled on the first day.
• Acted as coordinating counsel for GSK in landmark trade mark litigation spanning 30 countries, protecting a leading pharmaceutical product against a major global competitor.
• Secured a successful settlement shortly before trial in relation to the defence of a claim for approximately £60 million in allegedly unpaid royalties under a patent and know-how licence relating to antibody technology.
• Represented a pharmaceutical company in a Hong Kong law arbitration in relation to multi-jurisdictional claims regarding rights to medical technology in Mainland China.

If you require disputes advice, please contact Alexandra Pygall, Dan Smith or Joanne Elieli.

We help clients protect, commercialise, acquire, sell, enforce and defend intellectual property rights. Our team combines legal expertise with sector insight to deliver tailored, outcome-driven strategies.

We regularly advise our clients on a variety of intellectual property rights including:

• Patents
• Trade Secrets and confidential information
• Trade Marks
• Copyright
• Designs

Recent experience includes:

• Acted as coordinating counsel for GSK in landmark trade mark litigation spanning 30 countries, protecting a leading pharmaceutical product against a major global competitor.
• Advised Haleon on trade mark and design rights strategy in France, including analysis of infringement and unfair competition risks for well-known toothpaste products.
• Advised Bicycle Therapeutics on strategic collaborations in parallel with Bayer and Novartis to develop, manufacture and commercialise Bicycle radioconjugates for oncology targets, securing $45 million and $50 million in upfront payments respectively, milestone payments totalling up to $1.7 billion per deal, and royalties.
• Advised a biotechnology company on a patent infringement dispute with a third party in the UK and EU relating to a chemical compound and the method for its synthesis and use as a diagnostic agent.
• Advising on a copyright enforcement and protection strategy in relation to our client’s FDA-approved patient reported outcome questionnaire in relation to patients' experience with varicose veins during therapy.

If you require IP advice, please contact Rob Jacob, Alexandra Pygall or Helen Conlan.

Our team provides strategic advice on data privacy, cyber-security, and the governance of artificial intelligence. Clients rely on us to help them navigate evolving regulation, protect data assets, and build trust with stakeholders.

We regularly advise our clients on, but not limited to:

• Data protection compliance
• Cyber-security risk management
• AI governance frameworks
• Regulatory investigations

Recent experience includes:

• Provided incident response work for a multinational healthcare company – a cross-jurisdictional incident that required advice across the UK and UAE.
• Advised aesthetics clinic in relation to an interim injunction and follow-on litigation related to losses arising from the misappropriation by a third party of the clinic's patient data and company confidential data.
• Advised an AI drug discovery company on wide-ranging data protection issues, including carrying out a data mapping exercise, drafting and maintaining a suite of internal and external data protection policies, providing ad hoc advice on compliant use of patient data for clinical trials and providing regular horizon scanning support and updates for the company DPO.
• Provided training on data protection considerations to an advanced cell and gene therapy company for their staff to consider in the manufacture of personalised medicines.

If you require data privacy, cyber-security and AI governance advice, please contact Joanne Elieli, Katie Hewson or Naomi Leach.

Stephenson Harwood advises venture capital funds, corporate VCs, family offices, growth capital investors, and high-growth companies across a broad range of ticket sizes and sectors.

Clients benefit from our commercial approach, sector knowledge, and track record of delivering successful transactions.

They come to us for our expertise across the venture fund ecosystem, from fund creation through to the implementation of secondaries, deployment of venture and growth capital (both equity and debt), portfolio support, through to eventual successful exits.

Recent experience includes:

• Advised on the launch of Alis Biosciences, an innovative fund targeting underperforming listed biotech companies to unlock value from cash reserves and intellectual property.
• Advised Oxford Medical Simulation on its £10 million Series A raise led by Frog Capital, supporting the company’s growth in virtual reality healthcare training.
• Advised UCB Ventures, BGF and 4BIO Capital on leading a $25 million oversubscribed Series A funding round for Vianautis Bio and follow-on round, enabling further development of its drug delivery platform.
• Advised LifeArc on multiple primary investments as part of its commitment to invest up to £1.3 billion by 2030 in breakthrough patient-focused research.
• Advised joint pain relief company, Flarin, on its fundraise through IW Capital and ITV’s Media for Equity fund, securing up to £5 million in advertising inventory and new equity investment.
• Advised Dr Falk Pharma GmbH, a family-owned business, on its successful acquisition of Kynos Therapeutics Ltd, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development of novel treatments for patients suffering from acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.

If you require venture investment and financings advice, please contact Kristian Shearsby or Michelle Gomes.

Our team supports clients through every stage of the M&A process, from due diligence and execution to integration. Clients choose us for our sector expertise, cross-border capability, and commitment to delivering value.

We regularly advise our clients on, but not limited to:

• Acquisitions and disposals

• Joint ventures and strategic alliances

• Cross-border transactions

• Regulatory and competition clearance

Recent experience includes:

• Advised Zydus Lifesciences Ltd on negotiating and signing a €400 million financing for its acquisition of Amplitude Surgical, a Euronext Paris-listed company, highlighting the firm's expertise in structuring complex financings and its focus on the life sciences sector.

• Advised a leading Nasdaq-listed biotechnology company on acquiring a Singapore-based proteomics firm, expanding regional capabilities in biomarker and protein research.

• Advised Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH on acquiring Kynos Therapeutics, supporting expansion into rare digestive and metabolic diseases and advancing development of key assets.

• Advised Lansen Pharmaceutical on its HK$240 million privatisation by Cathay International, ensuring a smooth transition and strategic alignment for future growth.

• Advised the shareholders of ZoBio on its sale to Oncodesign Services, supporting a successful exit and integration into a larger research organisation.

• Advised Novacyt S.A on its recommended takeover by way of scheme of arrangement of Yourgene Health, navigating AIM and Euronext Growth Paris regulations and supporting post-pandemic portfolio expansion.

If you require M&A advice, please contact Kristian Shearsby, Tom Page or Michelle Gomes.

We guide clients through initial public offerings (IPOs) and secondary financings, combining legal expertise with deep sector understanding. Clients trust us to manage risk and deliver successful market transactions.

We regularly advise our clients on, but not limited to:

• IPO preparation and execution
• Secondary offerings
• Regulatory compliance
• Investor relations and disclosure

Recent experience includes:

• Advised Vulcan Two Group plc on its AIM IPO and fundraising. The fundraising was conducted by way of an institutional placing by Canaccord Genuity and a subscription. The company raised £12 million (before expenses) to be applied towards investing in ePharmacy businesses.
• Acted as issuer’s counsel for Acacia Pharma on its €190 million IPO, raising €40 million, and advised on a $30 million credit facility to support growth.
• Advised Shield Therapeutics on its AIM IPO and simultaneous acquisition of Phosphate Therapeutics, navigating volatile market conditions to achieve a successful listing.
• Advised Novacyt on the first Paris-AIM dual listing and associated placing, as well as on M&A and contractual arrangements for the rollout of its COVID-19 test.
• Advised on the set up and launch of Woodford Patient Capital Trust, enabling investment in early-stage companies with strong intellectual property portfolios.
• Advised BTG on its joint underwritten cash box placing to fund the acquisition of PneumRx.

If you require ECM advice, please contact Tom Page.

Our team advises healthcare providers, investors, and suppliers on navigating legal, commercial, and regulatory challenges. Clients value our practical advice and sector insight.

Recent experience includes:

• Advised a UK healthcare group on its acquisition of a care home group and a major reorganisation and joint venture funded by over £100 million of debt and preferred equity financing, involving multiple investment partners.
• Advising Aurem Care Group Limited on the acquisition of Golden Years Holdings Limited.
• Advising the shareholders in respect of the sale of Alpha Laboratories Limited.
• Advising Salutem Healthcare Limited on the acquisitions of Clearwater Care Limited, Modus Care Limited, Pathways Care Group Limited and the business and assets of SCOPE.
• Advising the shareholders on the sale of Health IQ Limited to Corrona UK Holdings Limited.
• Advising Blandford Capital on the acquisition of the Hesley Group.

If you require healthcare advice, please contact Karima Hudson.

We support clients developing and deploying HealthTech and TechBio solutions, providing legal guidance on commercialisation, regulation, and partnerships. Our team helps clients bring new technologies to market with confidence.

We regularly advise our clients on, but not limited to:

• Digital health platforms
• AI and data-driven healthcare
• Regulatory strategy
• Strategic collaborations

Recent experience includes:

• Acted for FPE Capital LLP on the acquisition by its portfolio company, Egress, of healthcare data migration specialist Stalis, supporting growth in digital health solutions.
• Advised BenevolentAI on a high-value collaboration with Merck, enabling the use of AI to deliver novel drug candidates and secure milestone payments and royalties.
• Advised UCB on a contract with Enable Injections, Inc. for the development and clinical supply of a wearable injection device for an investigational antibody treatment.
• Supported UCB on business development projects, including a digital health licensing deal and compliance with Human Samples legislation and GDPR.
• Advised an international pharmaceutical company on a collaboration with Verily Sciences, integrating wearable technology into clinical trial programmes.

If you require HealthTech and TechBio advice, please contact Naomi Leach.

The life sciences sector has been and continues to be closely scrutinised by competition authorities worldwide, with regulators using antirust and merger control rules to ensure fair competition, prevent monopolies, safeguard innovation and promote patient well-being and access to affordable medicines. Further, the increasing number of countries worldwide adopting foreign direct investment (“FDI”) rules has meant parties involved in cross-border M&A need to carefully consider whether their transactions are subject to a mandatory or voluntary notification requirement.

Our Competition Team advises on the full spectrum of competition and FDI rules to help clients achieve their strategic objectives. Clients rely on us for practical, commercially focused advice in a complex regulatory landscape. Life sciences companies must be particularly alert to antitrust, merger control and FDI risks; and take suitable preventative measures to mitigate against such risks.

Recent experience includes:

• Advised a leading provider of health and social care services on the merger control aspects of its acquisition of a large portfolio of care homes from a leading UK healthcare company; and securing a Phase 1 clearance from the UK’s Competition & Markets Authority after implementation of a “fix-it-first” type remedy.
• Advised a global bicycle precision therapeutics company on all antitrust, merger control and FDI aspects of its radiopharmaceutical licensing arrangement with a global pharmaceutical company, including securing FDI clearance in the UK under the UK’s National Security and Investment Act.
• Advised a leading global medical technology, pharmaceutical diagnostics and digital solutions company in relation to a complex supply and distribution arrangement with one of its key competitors, which gave rise to numerous antitrust and abuse of dominance concerns. We advised the client on its strategic legal options, including bringing a complaint to a regulator, seeking legal action/injunctive relief before the competition tribunals/courts, etc.
• Advised a UK consumer healthcare company on the competition law implications of a trademark co-existence agreements, helping manage regulatory risk and protect brand interests.
• Advised a specialist oncologist pharmaceutical company on general competition compliance matters related to its entry into the European market (including parallel trade and territorial restrictions), including preparing, delivering and rolling out its antitrust and dawn raid policy.

If you require competition and FDI advice, please contact Marta Isabel Garcia or Trudy Feaster-Gee.

We advise on employment, pensions, and incentive arrangements tailored to the needs of life sciences businesses. Clients benefit from our practical, forward-looking solutions.

We regularly advise our clients on, but not limited to:

• Executive and employee incentives
• Employment contracts and policies
• Pensions strategy and compliance
• Workforce restructuring

Recent experience includes:

• Advised Eisai Europe Ltd on confidential employment and HR matters in the UK, supporting the company with ongoing workforce management and compliance.
• Advised a vice president on transition to a senior role at a global pharmaceutical company, focusing on the enforceability of post-termination restrictions to protect interests.

If you require employment, pensions and incentives advice, please contact Anne Pritam.

Our team guides clients through every stage of the public procurement process, offering clear advice on compliance, tender strategy, and opportunities for direct awards within regulatory exemptions. Clients benefit from our sector knowledge and practical support, helping them maximise their chances of success and manage risk.

We regularly advise our clients on, but not limited to:

• Navigating public procurement regulations
• Preparing and optimising tender submissions
• Negotiating direct awards under regulatory exemptions
• Managing compliance and procurement risks

Recent experience includes:

• Advised a global biopharmaceutical company on NHS frameworks, tender rights, and provided training to enhance success in regulated public tenders.
• Supported an international diagnostics group in securing directly awarded contracts to supply COVID-19 testing kits and platforms to the UK Department of Health.
• Supporting companies providing operational support to the NHS through PFI and PPP contracts, including advice on bidding for procurements, and managing long term relationships with the NHS in all its forms. This includes advice on construction, medical equipment provision, and facilities management requirements.
• Guided UK Specialist Hospitals Limited through bids to build and operate new treatment centres, ensuring robust submissions for clinical services contracts.
• Advised Hitachi Europe on its bid for a national proton beam therapy service, supporting engagement with NHS trusts and helping shape a competitive proposal.
• Advised a global healthcare company on its existing NHS Framework Agreements, tender rights in competing for call off contacts and provided contract management advice in relation to existing Frameworks Agreements and Call off Contracts.

If you require public procurement advice, please contact Rebecca Carter.

Life sciences projects will often have bespoke real estate requirements and considerations which do not arise in other property sectors. As such, sector specific knowledge and experience is key.

Our life sciences specialism means we are well placed to advise clients on acquiring, developing, and managing life sciences premises such as laboratories, and manufacturing facilities and research centres.

Our team delivers sector specific and commercially focused solutions to assist clients with all manner of real estate needs.

We regularly advise our clients on, but not limited to:

• Site acquisition and development (and associated financings)
• Leasing and facilities management
• Planning and construction
• Environmental and regulatory compliance

Recent experience includes:

• Acted for Bentall GreenOak and Mission Street in acquiring four properties for redevelopment into major research and development hubs in Oxford, Cambridge, and Bristol.
• Advised Acadia Healthcare on its $662 million acquisition of Partnerships in Care and the Priory Group, including all real estate aspects and due diligence on care home assets.
• Advised the London Development Agency on remediation and risk allocation for the leasing of St Andrews Hospital, supporting its mixed-use redevelopment.
• Advised Cell Medica on property matters, including bespoke laboratory space arrangements in a London hospital and a collaboration agreement for shared research facilities.
• Advised Incyte Biosciences Limited on securing a lease for new premises in Surrey, supporting the company’s UK operational expansion.

If you require real estate for laboratory and manufacturing facilities advice, please contact Archie Campbell or Catriona Berman.

Our team guides clients through complex regulatory frameworks and investigations, helping them manage risk and maintain compliance. Clients value our sector knowledge and pragmatic approach.

We regularly advise our clients on, but not limited to:

• Regulatory compliance and strategy
• Product approvals and safety
• Investigations and enforcement
• Interactions with regulators

Recent experience includes:

• Advised a major US firm on legal issues related to business activities involving medical and recreational marijuana, supporting compliance and risk management.
• Acted for a global pharmaceutical company in a dispute with the Prescription Medicines Codes of Practice Authority over the marketing of a Prescription Only Medicine.
• Provided urgent, sensitive advice to a dual-listed entity on market conduct obligations, helping the client navigate complex regulatory requirements.
• Advised medical device companies on compliance for manufacturing and selling products across EU, US, and Asian markets, supporting global market access.
• Represented a European veterinary drug manufacturer during European Medicines Agency investigations into regulatory compliance and marketing authorisation conditions.

If you require regulatory and investigations advice, please contact Justin McClelland.

We help clients achieve their commercial objectives and manage their tax risks. Our tax team combines deep technical expertise with sector insight to deliver practical solutions.

We regularly advise our clients on, but not limited to:

• Acquisitions and disposals
• Transaction structuring
• Group reorganisations
• Cross-border tax matters
• Enquiries and investigations from tax authorities

Recent experience includes:

• Advised the management sellers of Health iQ on its auction sale to Corrona LLC, providing comprehensive legal support from tax to IP, and collaborating with Deloitte to achieve a successful transaction.
• Frequently advise clients on tax aspects of intellectual property licensing transactions, including VAT and withholding tax, ensuring compliance and optimised deal structures.
• Advised Dr. Falk Pharma GmbH, a German multi-national pharmaceutical company, on its acquisition of Kynos Therapeutics Ltd, a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focusing on the development of novel treatments for patients suffering from acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.

If you require tax structuring advice, please contact Shofiq Mia.