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Building a strong, sustainable healthcare industry

Life sciences

The disputes facing life sciences organisations today demand more than a legal response. They demand foresight, planning, and governance that's built before the risk arrives - not after.

Strategic risk signals is our analysis of where that exposure is building for life sciences organisations operating in Australia and how to get ahead of it.

 

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With a focus on innovation to support a healthier Australia and avoid future crises, life sciences continues to be an increasing focus and a critical development and investment area in the Australian economy. Funding, manufacturing and supply chain challenges remain a key concern to secure access to essential medicines and devices. Domestic and overseas stakeholders, however, are showing great interest in the Australian market.

There is opportunity for Australia's strong medical research base to be leveraged to improve product commercialisation. Working with healthcare industry participants, the life sciences sector can plays a critical role in a broader health ecosystem that embraces transformation and growth. We are helping the life sciences industry address those challenges to deliver innovative and accessible healthcare solutions to the market – both in Australia, and globally.

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Digital Health Festival 2024 Insights

Our team were thrilled to join over 6,000 attendees in engaging discussions that will shape the future of digital health.

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AI - healthcare disruption hotspots

Partner Jonathan Kelp, Senior Associate Chelsea Gordon and Lawyer Mehmet Kavlakoglu explore the current observations of AI integration into health.  

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What role does Governance play as an enabler of digital transformation

Partner Shane Evans talk with Dr Monica Trujillo, Chief Health Officer at Telstra Health, and Dr Simon Kos, Chief Medical Officer at Microsoft ANZ, about the importance of having robust Governance structures.

Support across the whole life cycle

Our multi-disciplinary team works with domestic and international biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, digital and technology companies, investors and medical research institutes. We support our clients across the entire life cycle – from conception to commercialisation and beyond.

With many of our team members dual-qualified in a sciences discipline, we understand the complex legal and regulatory landscape life sciences companies face – alongside the technology and science.


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Digital Health Launchpad

Questions to ask when commencing a digital health transformation.

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Case studies

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Brandon Capital

Acted on the establishment of the Medical Research Commercialisation Fund (now Brandon BioCatalyst), Australia’s largest life sciences venture capital fund. Continuing role as advisors to Brandon on ongoing investments and exits, including Venture Capital Deal of the Year for investment in Longas Technologies.

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Arrotex Holdings

Advised on the acquisition and merger of Arrow Pharmaceuticals and Apotex's Australian subsidiaries and business to form Arrotex Holdings Pty Ltd. The merger made Arrotex Australia's largest generic pharmaceutical and private label OTC business with over 50% market share of the Australian generic pharmacy market.

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Ginkgo Bioworks

Advised in relation to its entry into a technical development agreement (Development Agreement) with ASX-listed Microba Life Sciences (ASX:MAP); and its participation as a cornerstone investor in Microba Life Sciences’ IPO.

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Roche

Assisted in relation to the acquisition by Roche of Carmot Therapeutics, Inc., a privately owned US company based in Berkeley, California with Australian components of buy side commercial and regulatory due diligence, FIRB and Tax advice prior to the signing of the transaction.

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Sandoz

Successfully represented Sandoz in proceedings commenced by Merck Sharp & Dohme, in relation to a patent claiming the compound sitagliptin (sold under the brand name JANUVIA®). This was the first time Full Federal Court considered the calculation and reckoning of patent term extensions in circumstances where several pharmaceutical products fell within the claims of the patent.

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Walter & Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI)

Advised on the establishment of 'The 66ten Fund' which supports translating its scientific discoveries into globally significant healthcare initiatives. MinterEllison assisted with investment mandate design and preparation and negotiation of investment and governance documents.

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Our thinking and experience

Knowledge and expertise

We have a deep understanding of the sectors across healthcare, and importantly, how they interact and impact each other. This knowledge and experience allows us to provide comprehensive advice that considers both sector nuances and system-wide issues.

HealthHuman servicesHospitals and healthLife sciences

Lead contacts

Simone Mitchell

Partner, Sydney

James Hutton

Partner, Health Industry Leader, Melbourne

Vanessa Mellis

Partner, Brisbane

Sonja Read

Partner, Brisbane

Nicole Sloggett

Partner, Sydney

Jonathan Kelp

Partner, Melbourne

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