Risks and Benefits of Generative AI for Pharma Supply Chain Management
As the life sciences sector grapples with complex challenges around sustainability and Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) compliance, Generative AI (GenAI) is emerging as a potentially powerful tool for enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Michele Tagliaferri, Eva von Mühlenen, and Anna-Shari Melin explain. (more…)

European Court of Justice Judgment Relating to Orphan Market Exclusivity
In a recent judgment, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has shed light on the scope of the ‘clinical superiority’ criteria providing for a derogation to orphan market exclusivity which is key to protect the orphan molecule from competition for the period of market exclusivity (10 or 12 years as the case may be). Marie Manley, Chris Boyle, and Alix Vermulst examine the impact of this judgment on pharmaceutical companies.
European Regulator Clarifies Guidance on the Use of AI in the Medicinal Product Lifecycle
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published a final reflection paper on the use of AI in the drug lifecycle, which provides important insights into the expectations from the EMA to clinical trial sponsors, as well as marketing authorization (MA) applicants and holders who use AI systems. Josefine Sommer and Zina Chatzidimitriadou explain.

As U.S. Biosecure Act Passes the House, Four Things Biotechs Can Do to Prepare
The U.S. Senate may still reject the U.S. BIOSECURE Act , but the House of Representatives has now passed a version of the bill. Biotechs in both the P.R.C. and the U.S. therefore need to prepare for the new environment which it heralds. Michael Borden, Andrew Shoyer, and Ruchun Ji set out five steps to take now.
Are the revisions to the EU’s ‘Bolar’ system compatible with TRIPS?
The EU’s proposal to speed up generic and biosimilar market access by expanding the “Bolar exemption” to pricing and reimbursement procedures raises significant international IP law concerns, as it is probably incompatible with its obligations under the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). Maarten Meulenbelt, Chris Boyle, Lauren Shapiro, Maryanne Kamau, and Alix Vermulst explain.
How, When, and If the U.S. BIOSECURE Act Is Likely to Become Law
Both U.S. and P.R.C.-based biotechs are anxiously watching attempts to pass the U.S. BIOSECURE Act into law. Michael Borden and Andrew Shoyer explain what this month’s developments mean, and why the legislation, even with so much attention and publicity, may never actually become law.

New Guidance on Parallel Import Licensing Applicable to Northern Ireland Under the Windsor Framework
Brexit brought new challenges to the pharmaceutical industry, one of them being the special situation of Northern Ireland (NI), which, although part of the UK, remained subject to EU law under the NI Protocol. Pharmaceutical products placed on the NI market had to comply with EU law. For import purposes this created de facto an EU border between NI and the rest of the UK (namely England, Wales, and Scotland). The Windsor Framework provides a new set of arrangements to restore the smooth flow of trade within the UK.

Deal Outlook for 2024 Includes GLP-1 Investments, APAC M&A, and More Spinoffs
Our lawyers share the top investment and regulatory trends from last month’s agenda-setting JP Morgan Health Care Conference. We expect an abundance of novel financing structures, investment focus on new disease states, and important new U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidance.
Life Sciences Companies with Operations in EU Could Be Affected by ESG Law
EU member states are beginning to implement EU environmental, social, and governance (ESG) legislation into national law, meaning life sciences companies will need to look at its impact on their global supply chains, including for APIs. Michele Tagliaferri, Anna-Shari Melin, and Nadja Schwarz explain.

Forthcoming HHS Regulatory Actions and Opportunities Relevant for Pharmaceutical Manufacturers for the Rest of this Year and Next
Pharmaceutical manufacturers need to note some key forthcoming regulatory actions and opportunities which the Department of Health and Human Services (“HHS”) has recently published. Meena Datta and Catherine Starks give a bird’s eye view of the key points, the key dates and the stage which each new rule has reached.

