

Vaccines
Vaccines contain antigenic substances capable of inducing immunity against an infective agent or toxin.
They are frequently administered prophylactically but are increasingly being researched and developed in a therapeutic context (eg cancer vaccines which are designed to equip a patient’s immune system to treat an existing cancer).
While the global market for vaccines is less than 3% of the total pharmaceuticals market, World Health Organization research suggests that over the next few years, the vaccine market will enjoy a growth rate of 10% to 15% per year versus the 5% to 7% seen in the overall market.
To take a share of this expanding market, companies must navigate a number of challenges. The assessment, licensing and control of vaccines (which are biological medicinal products) occurs in an environment of rapid innovation and complex quality concerns. Our deep experience of vaccines, combined with the fact that our team includes lawyers with degrees in relevant scientific areas (molecular biology, biochemistry, genetics etc), enables us to quickly grasp evolving issues and technical concepts and provide nuanced and tailored advice.
We are trusted by many of the world’s leading vaccine companies to help them navigate all stages of the vaccine lifecycle. Our clients include Merck, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer and Novartis.
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News & insights

News: 12 FEBRUARY 2021
Allen & Overy advises Biogroup on two high-yield bond issues and a new senior facilities agreement
PARIS – Biogroup, the leading private medical laboratory services group in France and Belgium, has successfully completed through its two main subsidiaries the issuance of EUR800million in aggregate…
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News: 01 FEBRUARY 2021
Allen & Overy continues to make gains with FTSE clients
In the Adviser Rankings 15th anniversary guide A&O is ranked 3rd for FTSE 100 with 23 clients, up from 17 in 2010, and A&O is one of only two magic circle firms to have grown their total stock market…
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Publications: 11 JANUARY 2021
Will the EU-China Comprehensive Agreement facilitate investment by EU companies in China?
The European Union (EU) and the People’s Republic of China concluded the negotiations on their investment treaty, the EU/China Comprehensive Agreement on Investment (CAI), on 30 December 2020.
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Publications: 15 DECEMBER 2020
Healthcare accent is on smaller deals
Transactions in the U.S. healthcare space rebounded in autumn, although with a greater proportion of smaller deals than in recent years.
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