If there is one sector that is constantly pushing boundaries, it is the one that touches the health of us all. At every level, scientific innovation is generating a continuous stream of new methods, technologies, medicines, treatments and approaches. Inevitably, this also brings a complex landscape of regulation, interests, collaborations and disputes.

Sharper insight as the key to progress

Hospitals, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, medtech manufacturers, insurers and international investors must navigate an expanding flow of legislation and regulation, digital healthcare, clinical trials and public-private collaborations. At AKD, we therefore focus on developing concrete and actionable strategies. The clearer the view of what is required, the smoother progress becomes.

A multidisciplinary team for the sector

We bring together regulatory, transactional and operational expertise in one multidisciplinary team. Lawyers work seamlessly with colleagues specialising in EU law, corporate/M&A, privacy, tax and notarial law. Solutions are not found in isolated pockets of knowledge, but through close collaboration with complementary experts. It works. Our integrated and client-focused approach is consistently recognised by Chambers Europe (Band 1) and The Legal 500 (Tier 1).

For the full healthcare and life sciences ecosystem  :

• Hospitals, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, medtech manufacturers, insurers and international investors
• Approvals for clinical trials, medicines and medical devices, including market access and compliance with MDR/IVDR and privacy regulations
• Structuring collaborations, joint ventures and strategic partnerships between industry, hospitals and academic institutions
• Resolving disputes with regulators, insurers, suppliers or competitors, including precedent-setting cases

For regulation & compliance  :

• Drafting and negotiating contracts for R&D, licensing, distribution, procurement and digital healthcare initiatives
• Advising on emerging frameworks such as digital healthcare and the evolving EU product liability regime
• Our Regulatory & Compliance team, recognised by The Legal 500, is trusted by hospitals, industry associations and pharmaceutical companies

For transactions & investments  :

• Advising on and supporting mergers and acquisitions (M&A), joint ventures, restructurings and cross-border investments
• Complex collaborations, strategic partnerships and market entry strategies

For disputes & litigation  :

• High-stakes disputes involving regulation, liability, reimbursement and competition
• Precedent-setting cases that shape the regulatory framework of the sector

For contracts & procurement  : 

• Drafting agreements for healthcare procurement, R&D, licensing, distribution and public-private partnership (PPP) projects
• Supporting healthcare providers and suppliers in commercial and public tender processes

For innovation & digital healthcare  :

• Advising on AI-driven diagnostics, e-health platforms and digital therapeutics
• Supporting innovators and investors in managing regulatory risks and leveraging new opportunities