Life Sciences: Sweden

THE FIRM The majority of this large firm's life sciences work is handled out of its Stockholm and Uppsala offices. The dedicated team is one of the largest in Sweden, with ten partners and another 20 professionals handling licensing, IP, regulatory, transactional and general commercial matters for pharma, biotech, medtech and healthcare clients. Recent highlights include advising Lyftet Holding on its public offer for Q-Med, and assisting Moberg Derma with its substantial IPO.

Sources say: "The services offered by the team definitely impress and satisfy our expectations."

KEY INDIVIDUALS IP department head Håkan Borgenhäll has an excellent reputation for his work in the life sciences industry. He has been assisting MSD Overseas Manufacturing with various patent infringement matters. Ulf Dahlgren specialises in patent litigation in the life sciences industry and is "a conscientious lawyer who produces excellent results," according to satisfied clients. Department head Gunnar Mattsson is admired by peers and clients alike for his "excellent" work on regulatory issues. Sources praise Jonas Westerberg for his "solid legal knowledge." He recently assisted Mount Sinai with an infringement claim against Shire Human Genetic Therapies. Hugo Norlén is experienced in drafting licence agreements for large life sciences companies, and earns client praise for his "pragmatic view."

THE FIRM This large firm has six lawyers fully dedicated to the practice area, and another ten handling life sciences matters part-time. The team focuses on advising clients from the pharma industry on regulation, competition and IP issues, and also acts for medical services and care services clients. Of late, it has handled a great deal of reimbursement and substitution litigation issues exclusively for the originator pharma industry.

Sources say: "A very strong practice that provides excellent regulatory advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS  Department head Hélen Waxberg is held in high esteem by interviewees, who highlight her "unique knowledge" and that she is "extremely well acquainted with the industry." Per Josefson is a dispute resolution and IP expert with a wealth of experience in the life sciences sector. "His work is really impressive – it couldn't be any better," said one impressed source.

THE FIRM This 18-strong team handles IP litigation and regulatory matters for the pharma and medical devices industries. It collaborates closely with other departments within the firm, strengthening its transactional offering. Recent work highlights include representing Nordic Drugs in a marketing dispute against a competitor, and acting for Actavis on a 'skinny labelling' case.

KEY INDIVIDUALS According to satisfied clients, life sciences practice head Lennart Arvidson has "excellent analytical and argumentation skills and outstanding detailed knowledge of all relevant legislation." Odd Swarting has an impressive track record in working for life sciences clients, and has recently acted for Meda on two substitution cases. Peers and clients regard Martin Levinsohn as "an extremely skilled lawyer." He is known for his patent and trade mark expertise relating to the pharma industry.

THE FIRM DLA Nordic offers clients a full service, with six experienced professionals dedicated to life sciences. The team benefits from the firm's international network, and has a recognised wealth of expertise on regulatory matters for the pharma and healthcare industries. The firm is the sole adviser to LIF, the Swedish trade association for the research-based pharma industry.

Sources say: "An accomplished team able to deal with complex matters."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Competitors and clients alike admire the work of group head Ingrid Eliasson. "Eliasson combines an understanding of the legal framework with a practical business attitude," said one source. 

THE FIRM This highly regarded boutique focuses on IP and commercial arbitration, and has an excellent reputation within the industry. The team regularly handles patent litigation for European and US pharma and biotech companies.

Sources say: "The team delivers excellent quality advice."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dag Sandart is highly experienced and impresses sources with his IP litigation work and his skills in negotiating and drafting contracts. Peter Sande stands out for his extensive experience in acting for pharma clients, and peers respect and admire his work in patent litigation. 

THE FIRM This life sciences practice is made up of lawyers from the firm's capital markets, IP, M&A and corporate departments, and is well regarded for transactional issues. Recent highlights include assisting Medivir with various capital markets matters, and advising Lifco on its acquisition of Oriola.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Erik Sjöman is the main point of contact for the practice.

THE FIRM The three-partner life sciences team in Bird & Bird's Stockholm office is dedicated mainly to commercial work, including drafting, reviewing and negotiating agreements. The team's cross-border capabilities are enhanced by the firm's international network. It regularly advises pharma giants such as Attana and Phadia on commercial matters.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Competitors describe Richard Lewinson as a "skilled expert" in the life sciences sector. He has recently assisted Teva with patent, regulatory and commercial matters.

THE FIRM The life sciences team at this international firm is made up of six lawyers drawn from the corporate, competition and IP departments. It recently acted for Sanofi on a public procurement case, and advised Johnson & Johnson on various corporate matters.

Sources say: "The team has a good solid understanding of the healthcare business. The lawyers are proactive and highly engaged in their work."

KEY INDIVIDUALS Peers recognise the strength and visibility of senior associate Elisabeth Eklund in the field of life sciences. She is also well reputed for her competition expertise.