Life Sciences: Regulatory
UK Guide 2025 : UK-wide
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7067 2000Chambers Review
Covington & Burling is a standout practice for complex regulatory matters. It represents drug makers in agency investigations and judicial review cases, and advises life sciences companies large and small on corporate and commercial transactions, including licence agreements, M&A deals and securities offerings. It is also recommended for advice on data privacy. The dispute resolution group handles a variety of contentious matters in the life sciences sector.
Work Highlights
- Covington & Burling represented Ergomed in its £703.1 million sale to funds advised by Permira Advisers.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Covington & Burling have strong pharmaceutical and biotech licensing expertise as well as corporate transactional experience."
"At Covington, there is always a specialist at hand when needed. They provide great service and excellent advice."
"Covington have a very sophisticated understanding of all the issues and current landscape. The lawyers have great attention to detail as well as an understanding of the strategy and bigger picture."
"Covington & Burling have strong pharmaceutical and biotech licensing expertise as well as corporate transactional experience."
"At Covington, there is always a specialist at hand when needed. They provide great service and excellent advice."
"Covington have a very sophisticated understanding of all the issues and current landscape. The lawyers have great attention to detail as well as an understanding of the strategy and bigger picture."
Notable Practitioners
Grant Castle is one of the leading life sciences regulatory practitioners on this side of the Atlantic. He offers in-depth advice on marketing, authorisation and agency disputes as well as compliance and due diligence associated with licensing and corporate transactions.
James Gubbins is much sought after for his handling of complex capital markets and corporate transactions in the sector. He has additional experience with regard to collaboration agreements between life sciences innovators.
"James is a valued adviser."
Paul Claydon is a go-to in the sector for corporate, venture capital and private equity transactions. He regularly advises domestic and international biotechs and investors.
"Paul is calm under pressure and offers very pragmatic advice. A go-to person for capital markets and M&A."
Brian Kelly helps companies in the sector navigate the ever-changing regulatory landscape governing life sciences products, and has recently advised clients on matters such as EMA data sharing requests, judicial reviews and agency proceedings.
"Brian is really excellent across the entire range of life sciences cases."
"Brian is very good in his legal analysis."
Daniel Pavin provides support to emerging digital health technology innovators and life sciences giants on IP-driven commercial and corporate transactions of all kinds.
"Daniel takes the time and effort to understand the company's strategy and then delivers excellent service on all fronts. He produces top-quality work and thinks through all the nuances and details."
"Daniel is a thought leader."
Sarah Cowlishaw has a growing profile in the sector, for her advisory work pertaining to clinical trials and the negotiation of supply agreements.
"Sarah is extremely helpful drafting agreements to resolve our outstanding issues. She is a treasure."
James Halstead is well regarded in the sector for his handling of potentially market-changing corporate, capital markets and venture capital deals. He has a diverse client base ranging from medical charities through to large pharmaceutical companies.
"James is very experienced in venture financings. He has a commercial approach and great attention to detail."
"James is an excellent lawyer."
"James is a very strong technical lawyer."
Ranked Lawyers at
Covington & Burling LLP
UK-wide