DLA Piper LLP (US) handles a range of high value disputes in the sector, helping clients defend their patents in cross-border litigation and also providing support in product liability and personal injury MDLs arising out of allegations of faulty products or drugs. Licensing and supply agreements also fall within the group’s purview, where the group acts for both suppliers and buyers of critical medical ingredients. Heading the team are Matthew Holian, a Boston-based litigator whose practice encompasses multi-jurisdictional product liability disputes, and New York’s Andrew Gilbert, who advises both public and private life sciences companies on M&As and securities law; February 2024 saw the arrival of FDA regulatory specialists Vernessa Pollard and Anisa Mohanty from McDermott Will & Emery LLP‘s Washington office, advising on pre-market strategy and post-market compliance. Loren Brown represents clients across the spectrum of litigation pertinent to life sciences clients, including patent and trade secret infringement claims, and securities class actions, and Lucas Przymusinski focusing on product liability suits tied to drugs and medical devices; both are located in New York. Boston’s Katie Insogna is recommended for her ability to handle both regulatory issues and litigation, including MDLs tied to product liability, and broader commercial litigation.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Key clients

  • Pfizer Inc.
  • Johnson & Johnson
  • ResMed, Inc.
  • Bayer Corporation
  • Bristol-Myers Squibb Company
  • Biogen Inc.
  • Novo Nordisk A/S
  • Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA)
  • Qatar Pharma for Pharmaceutical Industries WLL
  • Adamas Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Work highlights

  • Advised Sanofi on litigation and regulatory issues relating to Zantac, a common heartburn medication that allegedly contains or is contaminated with NDMA, a possible carcinogen.
  • Represented Taiho Oncology Inc. and Taiho Pharmaceutical Corp in several patent infringement cases related to Lonsurf™, an oral combination therapy used for treating adult patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
  • Advised Axsome Therapeutics, Inc. in the closing of its previously announced underwritten public offering of 3,000,000 shares of its common stock at the public offering price of US$75.00 per shareand on entering into an exclusive license agreement with Pharmanovia to commercialize and further develop Sunosi.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Leading lawyers
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Matthew Holian, Andrew Gilbert, Vernessa Pollard

Other key lawyers

Loren Brown, Lauren Murdza, Katie Insogna, Lucas Przymusinski, Anisa Mohanty