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Adam Coughlin

Senior Associate - Commercial & IP transactions

Adam advises on a range of life sciences transactions (often cross-border in nature), such as complex and high-value licensing deals, research collaborations, technology transfer and spin-out deals, supply chain arrangements and product acquisitions/divestments.

Adam advises the full range of clients across the life sciences sector, including academic and research institutions, startups, medical device companies, CMOs/CDMOs/CROs, investors and multinational pharmaceutical/biotech companies.

Adam has significant expertise in clinical research matters, including in the field of precision medicine, and regularly advises clients on all manner of agreements in this space.

Adam also regularly advises on manufacturing and distribution arrangements, supporting clients across the breadth of the pharmaceutical, biotechnological and medical technology supply chain.

Likewise, Adam has much experience in advising on the commercial and IP aspects of corporate and financing transactions, most notably in respect of pharmaceutical product acquisitions and divestments.

Examples of Adam’s recent work highlights include advising:

  • the technology transfer offices of three world-leading universities on its innovative joint venture with three global pharmaceutical companies, under which a multi-million translational research fund has been made available for the development (and ultimate commercialisation) of a portfolio of cutting-edge biomedical projects;
  • a globally-recognised pharmaceutical company on a range of business development and licensing agreements, including in respect of a strategic collaboration with a leading diagnostic company for the development and optimisation of innovative algorithms for use in the oncology field;
  • a drug discovery company on its strategic pivot to becoming a specialist contract development manufacturing organisation (CDMO), including drafting, and advising on, a range of development, manufacturing and licensing agreements in connection with this strategic change; and
  • a world-leading pharmaceutical company on its distribution arrangements, most notably in terms of its shift from a direct-to-pharmacy to a reduced wholesaler model.

Adam has held the position of Chair of the Licensing Executives Society Young Members (Great Britain & Ireland) since January 2020.

Credentials

  • BA History, University of Leicester
  • LPC and GDL, College of Law
  • Qualified 2014

What others say

“Bristows was a valued partner in the success of making our vision become a reality.” Stephanie Morris, Director of Industry Partnerships and Commercialisation at Imperial College London
“They enabled a very positive conclusion to the overall deal.” Richard Fagan, Director of BioPharma at UCL Business
“Their expertise made them the perfect partner to work with on the highly complex Apollo transaction.” Richard Fagan, Director of BioPharma at UCL Business
“UCLB has worked with Bristows for over 25 years, in relation to intellectual property licensing transactions as well as corporate transactions such as spinout formation.” Richard Fagan, Director of BioPharma at UCL Business
“Bristows’ knowledge of the life sciences market and players, as well as their licensing expertise, was invaluable as we navigated this complex transaction.” Iain Thomas, Cambridge Enterprise’s Head of Life Sciences

Inquisitive minds

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