Life Sciences | Europe

Faus Moliner is a prestigious Barcelona-based boutique with a stand-out reputation in regulatory issues relating to the life sciences market. It is regularly retained by key players from the pharmaceutical and medical devices industries to advise on a range of matters that entail interaction with Spain's life sciences sector regulators, including applications for marketing authorisations or negotiations relating to the pricing and potential reimbursement of medical products. The firm advises on administrative appeals against public procurement or pricing decisions. It defends leading life sciences companies in product liability cases. The firm also earns praise for its advice on the drafting and negotiation of commercial agreements between life sciences companies.

Uría Menéndez demonstrates superb coverage of the various regulatory, commercial and intellectual property-related issues arising for companies operating in the life sciences sector. Its lawyers advise on the negotiation of collaboration agreements for the development or manufacture of drugs. The team has experience in applications for authorisation of supply contracts, and it advises on appeals against decisions made on pricing and reimbursement. It assists life sciences companies with questions relating to the legitimate use of health data. Uría Menéndez's civil litigation capabilities are showcased in advice on advertising disputes, product liability cases and patent infringement actions. The firm also possesses notable experience in cases relating to the enforcement of plant variety rights.

Baker McKenzie's teams in Madrid and Barcelona have complementary life sciences sector expertise, with the former predominantly providing support on global M&A transactions and the latter often assisting with stand-alone commercial or regulatory matters. The team advises on questions relating to the pricing, marketing and distribution of medicinal products.

Fieldfisher's Madrid office often attracts instructions on sophisticated life sciences regulatory topics. The team advises on disputes with Spanish regulators arising in varied circumstances, including as a result of adverse pricing decisions. It defends pharmaceutical companies in claims brought by competitors seeking the revocation of marketing authorisations. The firm has standout experience in the negotiation of collaboration agreements for the marketing of important new medical products. It also advises on data protection issues affecting life sciences companies.

Clifford Chance has a long-established reputation as a market-leading IP practice in Spain. It benefits from the presence both of hugely respected senior partners and of more junior lawyers who also attract roles in important life sciences sector cases. The firm acts for some of the world's most prominent pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical devices and diagnostics companies on patent infringement actions against competing entities and any corresponding revocation actions. The law firm is increasingly recognised in regulatory work, licence agreements, as well as M&A in the life sciences sector.

Cuatrecasas is a well-established full-service practice known for representing major multinational pharmaceutical companies, research institutes and medical devices manufacturers. The team assists with M&A transactions in the life sciences sector. It is experienced in administrative appeals against decisions taken by Spanish healthcare authorities, including within the context of public tenders. It also advises on disputes arising in relation to distribution contracts or allegedly misleading advertising.

Gómez-Acebo & Pombo has a well-regarded multidisciplinary practice offering capabilities in M&A, regulatory and contentious work in the life sciences sector. The firm regularly advises on public procurement matters, including appeals of public tender awards. It has acted for leading pharmaceutical manufacturers on the establishment of Spanish subsidiaries. The firm also has notable experience representing clients in patent litigation cases.

Hogan Lovells houses a well-respected life sciences practice. The law firm regularly advises companies within this sector in various matters, including M&A and regulatory issues. The team is also well placed to assist clients with litigation including product liability.