Healthcare & Life Sciences is a sector in constant flux. Scientific innovation is driving a wave of new treatments, medicines and technologies. At the same time, there are challenges, such as a growing need for accessible and affordable care. International dynamics are shifting rapidly – with consequences for supply chains, market access and cross-border collaboration. The regulatory framework is complex.

Healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, medtech manufacturers and investors navigate this dynamic landscape on a daily basis. This requires not only legal expertise, but also a team that truly understands the sector.

In-depth knowledge and a multidisciplinary approach

AKD knows this sector inside out. AKD combines its in-depth knowledge of the healthcare and life sciences sector with specialist expertise across all relevant sub-sectors. The integrated, multidisciplinary team comprises specialists in health law, medicines law, medical devices, private law, administrative law, corporate/M&A, AI, privacy and IT, competition law, tax law, employment law, procurement law, property law and notarial law.

At home in uncharted territory

Through the interplay of these expertises, AKD is constantly pushing boundaries. AKD is at home in uncharted territory. For instance, AKD was the first law firm to secure a ruling that care providers for people with disabilities must be paid cost-covering rates. AKD also conducted the proceedings in which the highest administrative court ruled that the ban on profit in specialist medical care contravenes European law. Another example is that AKD, together with lawyers from other jurisdictions, has advised on new, digital methods for prescribing and dispensing medicines. 

AKD's approach works. It is no coincidence that our integrated and client-focused approach is consistently recognised: Chambers Europe (Band 1) and Legal 500 (Tier 1) confirm year after year that we deliver what our clients need.

For regulation & compliance :

Our specialists not only help clients comply with current frameworks but also proactively advise on future developments. We do this in practice by:

• Drafting and negotiating contracts for partnerships, R&D, licences, distribution, procurement and digital healthcare initiatives
• Advising on existing and emerging frameworks, such as European legislation on the exchange of health data and the product liability regime
• Managing processes, such as enforcement proceedings initiated by the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ) or the Dutch Healthcare Authority (NZa), or accreditation issues relating to postgraduate medical training

For transactions & investments :

Our multidisciplinary team brings the expertise to capitalise on opportunities and identify risks at an early stage. The matters we assist our clients with include:

• Entering into and structuring complex collaborations, strategic partnerships and market entries
• Mergers and acquisitions, setting up joint ventures, restructurings of organisations and legal structures, and national and cross-border investments

For disputes & litigation :

We prefer to resolve conflicts without going to court: effectively, swiftly and pragmatically. Where legal proceedings are unavoidable, decisive action is essential. Our team assists clients in disputes involving significant stakes. We assist clients:

• In disputes relating to regulation, contracts and liability, tariffs, tendering and procurement procedures, employment law and competition
• In cases without precedent, which may affect a large part of the sector

For contracts & procurement :

Clear contracts are indispensable for collaboration within the sector. We assist clients with:

• Drafting and negotiating agreements for a variety of purposes: collaboration, healthcare procurement, R&D, licences, distribution and public-private partnership projects
• Commercial and public tendering and procurement processes

For innovation & digital healthcare :

The sector offers significant opportunities for innovation, but the path to realising them can be complex. Whether it concerns the legal framework for a new digital medical device or structuring an investment in a healthtech company – AKD is at your side:

• Advice on AI-driven diagnostics, e-health platforms and digital therapies
• Guidance for innovators and investors in assessing risks and capitalising on the opportunities offered by new technologies