The 'highly impressive' 16-strong Life Sciences team provides 'excellent and wise counsel' (Legal 500 2009). Led by former microbiologist and geneticist Patrick Duxbury, it provides non-contentious, contentious, corporate and regulatory expertise to a global client base. Many individuals have spent time in their careers as scientists - people like life sciences partner Dr Luke Kempton, with a PhD in biochemistry, who specialises in patent litigation, licensing, collaborations, manufacturing agreements and all aspects of pharmaceutical regulatory law. Liz Fuller, director, life sciences regulatory (US qualified), has over ten years experience advising biotech and pharmaceutical companies on all aspects of US and EU pharmaceutical regulation, including strategic advice on the best route to regulatory approval.

Typical work includes global patent infringement actions, cross-border licences and collaborations, M&A transactions and pan-European regulatory compliance while typical clients include some of the world's leading pharmaceutical giants as well as the latest biotech start-ups. Names on the client list include AstraZeneca, Astex Therapeutics, MedImmune, Eisai and the Medical Research Council. Most projects are international and the team works with life sciences specialists in selected firms across the world.

The team's corporate lawyers have extensive experience of acting for life sciences companies and their investors - see the work done by Kevin Jones and Ian Piggin. Demand for antitrust advice is met by Bernardine Adkins who is currently advising a number of life sciences clients on antitrust compliance issues, dawn raids and merger clearance.

Wragge & Co Life Sciences team is a member of the Association of The British Pharmaceutical Industry and the BioIndustry Association.

It was Chambers UK that said of this team: 'This refreshingly sensible life sciences group ..... distinguishes itself from much of the competition by being more proficient, resourceful and effortlessly responsive.'

More on life sciences, contact Patrick Duxbury (patrick_duxbury@wragge.com).