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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.

News and insights

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Blog Post: 03 May 2022

Potential compromise on Covid-19 IPR waiver: deadlock resolved?

Last month, a leaked document regarding the TRIPS Waiver revealed a breakthrough between the EU, South Africa, India and the United States. After 18 months of negotiations, the four parties now have…

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Blog Post: 10 March 2022

Belgian Competition Authority fines pharmaceutical wholesalers for their participation in a cartel

In February 2022, the Belgian Competition Authority’s (the BCA) prosecution service (Auditoraat/Auditorat) adopted a settlement decision, sanctioning two pharmaceutical wholesalers, Pharma…

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Blog Post: 05 January 2022

COVID-19 – the distinction between vaccines and vaccination

Vaccines With thanks to a huge global scientific effort, we now have several COVID-19 vaccines that have met the standards of safety and efficacy set by regulators. 

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Our Life Sciences and Healthcare sector focus 2022

Our global Life Sciences and Healthcare sector comprises a multi-disciplinary team. We act for companies and their investors across the industry, including in the pharmaceuticals, biotech, animal health, consumer health, med tech, and diagnostics sectors.