China Life Sciences Licensing and Partnering Transactions

Sidley is one of the few law firms that can boast a top-tier life sciences transactions practice on-the-ground in China. Life sciences companies and investors in China and Asia rely on us for their collaboration and licensing matters because we offer a formidable combination of deep life sciences transactional experience and unparalleled sector knowledge.

• As part of the firm’s Global Life Sciences group, our team in China collaborates across disciplines with lawyers in the U.S. and Europe to offer a holistic legal approach to partnering and commercial transactions.
• Insightful experience in a virtually full array of issues throughout licensing transactions.
• Helping clients identify and address their key business needs in undertaking their transactions.
• Engaging in deals on the cutting-edge of scientific development, including AI and machine-learning, drug discovery, gene and cell therapy, and RNA therapies, among others.

Healthcare, Pharma, & Life Sciences Firm of the Year
China Business Law Journal 2014 and 2018–2024

“Sidley Austin is very experienced in handling complex matters and advising clients with practical solutions.”
Chambers Asia-Pacific Region, 2024

Types of Life Sciences Transactions:

We represent clients in life sciences licensing and collaboration transactions of all types, including:

Complex, Early-Stage Research and Development

• Target and compound discovery collaborations, including option-based deal structures
• Platform technology licensing
• Strategic business partnerships to develop and commercialize new therapies, pharmaceuticals, and products

Clinical-Stage

• Co-development arrangements, including combination therapies
• Single-asset licensing
• Clinical trial agreements
• Clinical manufacturing and supply agreements

Cross-Border

• Regional co-development and license agreements drawing on capabilities in the EU, the UK, and the U.S.

Commercial

• Co-commercialization, co-promotion, and marketing arrangements, leveraging our team of healthcare lawyers
• Commercial manufacturing and supply agreements, in concert with our GMP compliance and enforcement team

Support

• University research, development, and license agreements
• Non-exclusive license agreements
• Manufacturing process development, technology and know-how transfer, distribution, and other services agreements

Data-Driven

• Licensing and use of Big Data
• Advising clients on the convergence of artificial intelligence and therapeutic product discovery and development