Healthcare and life sciences

Arthur Cox

Arthur Cox has demonstrated real commitment to the healthcare and life sciences sector, landing it a long list of prominent multinational clients. M&A, regulatory and compliance, product liability, IP and data protection are all part of the firm’s full-service approach to the sector. head of the life sciences group Colin Kavanagh is a prominent figure in corporate, commercial and regulatory issues, while Joanelle O’Cleirigh is highly-rated for her knowledge of the healthcare sector and is an established name in investigations, inquiries and disputes. Elected to the partnership in January 2024, Kylie Dollard is another key specialist in life sciences M&A and corporate transactions. Life sciences M&A expert Bridget Clinton and healthcare specialist Kate O’Donohoe are also pivotal members of the team. Ryan Ferry has left the firm.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

‘Colin Kavanagh is an expert in his field. ’
‘Joanelle O'Cleirigh is friendly and approachable, and always able to make herself available at short notice.’
‘The team has a deep understanding of the healthcare sector, particularly the hospital sector which we are in. The people in the practice have extensive knowledge of the area and vast experience of every aspect of it.’
‘Joanelle O’Cleirigh - vastly experienced, direct and concise. Broad range of expertise. Clear advice.’
‘The team stands out due to its deep expertise and specialisation in healthcare law, particularly in managing complex legal matters involving medical consultants, patient safety, and regulatory compliance. Their in-depth understanding of the intricacies of the healthcare sector gives them a unique edge over other firms.'
‘The individuals I work with stand out for their deep expertise, commitment, and ability to tailor solutions specifically to our needs. They excel not only in their respective fields but also in how they approach challenges, making them true partners in our success. Joanelle O’Cleirigh is exceptional for her pragmatic approach and deep knowledge of our organisation. She has a remarkable ability to understand the nuances of healthcare, balancing regulatory requirements with the practical needs of our operations. Joanelle’s detailed knowledge of our organisational structure and goals allows her to provide advice that is not only relevant but also actionable, making her an invaluable asset in strategic decision-making.'
‘The Healthcare and life sciences practice of ArthurCox provides advice and guidance. The particular strength of the team is the level of breath and experience displayed in addition to the constructive and practical guidance and direction received. I have found the firm to be of the highest standard in this specialist are when compared to peers. ’
‘I have engaged with Joanelle O'Cleirigh and Kate O'Donohoe of Arthur Cox. I have found the advice and guidance provided on complex and challenging cases to be of the highest standard and quality. The engagement is always timely, constructive and reflects the reality of the situation in addition to the law. The level and breath of experience and guidance provided to the hospital on a number of matters is considerable and distinctive. I would like to highly commend Kate O'Donohoe on the service and high quality professional legal advice provided to the hospital on a number of cases which have required engagement with a range of legal services, e.g. data protection, employment law and regulatory matters. The level of professionalism displayed and timeliness of response are commendable and worthy of mention.'

Key clients

Allergan
Alnylam Switzerland
Amgen
Becton Dickinson
Biogen
Biogen Idec International
Blackrock Healthcare Group
Bristol-Myers Squibb
Burst Oral Care
CareChoice
Cencora
Chanelle Pharmaceuticals
Child and Family Agency (Tusla )
Cofinimmo
Daiichi Sankyo Ireland
EU Meds Direct
Food Safety Authority of Ireland
Foundry Innovation and Research 1
Galapagos
Gilead Sciences
GlaxoSmithKline
Healthhero
HSE
Iredale Cosmetics
Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association
Johnson & Johnson
Kenesis Health Technologies
Leo Pharmaceuticals
Mallinckrodt
Mater Private Hospital
Medical Council
Moderna Switzerland
Monsanto
MSD
National Maternity Hospital
Novartis
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland
Nursing Home Ireland
Organon
PatientMPower
Peppy Health
Private Hospitals Association
Procter & Gamble UK
Quest Diagnostics
Religious Sisters of Charity
Sanofi/Genzyme
Siemens Healthcare
SmileDirectClub
South Texas Accelerated Research Therapeutics
Spectral MD
St. James Hospital
Stewarts Care
Symbios UK Ltd
Tallaght Hospital
TÜV Rheinland LGA Products
UMPC Group
Valeant/Bausch Health
Vertex Pharmaceuticals

Work highlights

Advised Chanelle Pharma on its sale to Exponent.
Advised IPHA on the impact and prospective implementation of the EU pharma legislative proposal.
Advised the first lien creditors of Endo on their proposed acquisition of substantially all of the assets of the Endo Group.