Counting many of the largest pharma and biotech companies worldwide as regular clients, Bird & Bird is equally comfortable handling cutting-edge work for innovators and generics alike. Marc Martens, who co-heads the firm's global life sciences and healthcare group, has specific expertise in biobanking, advanced therapies, clinical trials and data exclusivity disputes. More broadly, the practice has recently been particularly active in the digital health space, and has also assisted with a number of matters related to the Covid-19 pandemic. In team news, Nicolas Carbonnelle was promoted to partner in May 2022.

Cooley LLP's 'deep knowledge of the industry and the regulations' ensures that key players from the life sciences industry trust the firm to handle issues arising throughout the entire lifecycle of their products. Recent highlights have included advising on regulatory issues concerning multijurisdictional clinical trials at all phases, advanced therapeutic medicinal products, and in vitro medical devices. Life sciences practice head Elisabethann Wright is a 'truly outstanding person to have alongside in the metaphorical trenches of regulatory disputes'. Associate Jessica Koffel regularly supports Wright on complex matters.

IP and life sciences boutique HOYNG ROKH MONEGIER stands out as a go-to advisor for the biggest global names in the pharma and biotech spheres. The firm expertly deals with regulatory issues at both the European and national levels; exclusivities, market authorisation and access, pharmacovigilance, transparency, pricing, reimbursement and compliance issues all form part of the team's regular workload. The group is equally well regarded for its contentious expertise, and is frequently instructed to handle internal and external investigations, as well as representing clients in product qualification and registration cases. Liesbeth Weynants is the key senior contact.

The primary area of expertise for Allen & Overy LLP's life sciences team lies at the intersection between regulatory and patent work for pharma clients. The group also handles the full gamut of product approval, pricing, marketing and advertising, data exclusivity, public procurement, and reporting issues. Senior associate Tine Carmeliet solely oversees the department following the retirement of senior counsel and previous co-head Geert Glas in December 2023.

Covington & Burling LLP's client base comprises major domestic and multinational pharma companies, as well as a wide array of biotech, diagnostic, medical device, cosmetic and food companies, ranging from start-up ventures to industry leaders. Key areas of strength include advising on issues related to Covid-19, incentives for innovation, reimbursement procedures, the new Medical Devices and IVD Regulations, and global pathogen-sharing rules. Peter Bogaert and Bart Van Vooren oversee the life sciences department; the latter has developed a niche practice on compliance with the Biodiversity Convention and the Nagoya Protocol.

As a result of its recognised IP and litigation expertise, Crowell & Moring is particularly valued by key players from the generics industry. The firm's areas of strength range from advising on marketing authorisations, pricing and reimbursement issues, government reforms, and off-label use questions to representing industry associations in investigations. Recently, there has been markedly increased activity in the digital health space. Co-managing partner Kristof Roox works closely with senior counsel Jurgen Figys on complex mandates.

Noted for its ‘outstanding experience and collaborative and practical approach‘, the multidisciplinary life sciences and healthcare group at Hogan Lovells International LLP is well placed to handle IP, product liability, regulatory, transactional and data protection issues. Fabien Roy ‘stands out across the region for his expertise and reliable advice‘; he oversees the Brussels-based offering, regularly collaborating with his counterparts across Europe to offer clients cross-border assistance. Cláudia Mendes Pinto is another key team member.

Jones Day's prodigious client base spans major pharma companies, leading research institutes, key medical technology and device manufacturers, and investors. Cristiana Spontoni, who acts as co-head of the firm's healthcare and life sciences practice, handles work ranging from the pre-market phase, including clinical trials, to post-market issues, including product liability, marketing, distribution, and compliance. Mandates in the digital health space have been keeping the group particularly busy in recent times.

Sidley Austin LLP is particularly well regarded for its contentious expertise, with clients noting that the firm is 'used to challenging the authorities and has a great network throughout the EU to assist with local regulators' contacts'. The team's 'excellent knowledge of the industry' also ensures seamless provision of advice on issues affecting producers and developers of medicinal products and medical devices throughout their life cycle. Maurits JF Lugard heads up the life sciences practice.

The healthcare and life sciences team at Simmons & Simmons is differentiated by its niche expertise in blood-based medicines, in vitro diagnostic medical devices, biopharmaceutical products, and advanced therapy products. Olivier Mignolet oversees the firm's Brussels office, and regularly leads on complex regulatory mandates along with Annabelle Bruyndonckx; between them, the duo cover the gamut of matters, from research and development, to production, to marketing authorisation.

The ‘very practical‘ team at ALTIUS counts innovative companies in the pharma industry, as well as hospitals, private equity investors, and leading groups from the dental and veterinary spheres among its key clients. Christophe Ronse brings his IP expertise to bear on relevant life sciences work, while Philippe de Jong has extensive regulatory experience.

The appointment of counsel Vladimir Murovec as practice head at Osborne Clarke has ensured that the life sciences regulatory department has ‘become a top choice among life sciences businesses as they navigate EU market entry or face compliance hurdles'. The team utilises a threefold sector approach which focuses on biotech and pharma, digital health, and healthcare. Clients range from global businesses to fast-growth start-ups and market challengers.

At Reed Smith, Wim Vandenberghe heads up the dedicated EU life sciences regulatory sub-practice. The team provides 'timely and confident advice' on obtaining the necessary approvals or clearances, managing supply chains, preparing for inspections and audits, marketing the product, and responding to enforcement actions. Assisting with compliance procedures is another strength.

The IP and life sciences team at Stibbe works closely with the firm's public law department to advise on regulatory issues affecting pharma companies and other key players in the healthcare sector. Recent highlights have ranged from representing clients in disputes with the Belgian pricing authorities, to assisting with the development of clinical trials. Ignace Vernimme and Philippe Campolini are the key senior names to note.