Julian P. Thurston

Partner

London, 44 20 7920 4050

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Education

University of Oxford (M.A., 1976)
;
College of Law (M.A., 1977)

Practices

Life Sciences

Licensing + Technology Transactions

Life Sciences | Europe

Bar Admissions

England & Wales

Julian Thurston is Co-Head of the global Life Sciences Group. Mr. Thurston's practice focuses on the representation of biotechs in IP licensing, strategic partnering, outsourcing and other collaboration matters. From 1980 when he first began advising Celltech, one of the first biotech companies in the UK, Mr. Thurston's work in the sector has helped to shape many of the standard English-law licensing agreements used today.

He has been "top ranked" for life sciences since the leading legal directories (such as Chambers, Legal 500 and PLC) began covering the sector.

From June 2005 to December 2008 Mr. Thurston was Managing Partner of the London office.

Acambis plc.

Represented Acambis plc on the £276 million all cash public offer made by Sanofi Pasteur. (2008)

Renovo Group plc

We advised Renovo on a revision to its earlier licensing deal with Shire for Juvista. In 2007 Renovo and Shire signed a $825 million licensing agreement giving Shire the rights to sell Juvista throughout the world excluding the EU which Renovo retained. (Morrison & Foerster also advised on this agreement.) The 2010 revisions to this agreement mean that Renovo has acquired from Shire the rights to sell and license Juvista in all territories other than the USA, Mexico and Canada. Milestone and royalty payments for the development and sales of Juvista are unchanged from the original agreement. On acceptance of a BLA filing with the FDA, Shire will pay Renovo US$25m and on approval US$50 – $150m depending on the breadth of the indication on the approved label. Milestones on escalating sales total up to $525m and Renovo receives escalating royalties on Juvista sales. A new milestone payment to Renovo of $5m from Shire has been added to the agreement once Shire commences a clinical trial after the first EU Juvista PhIII trial reports (currently on schedule to report H1 2011). A collaboration committee between Renovo and Shire will also be formed to oversee the development programs.

Renovo is a biopharmaceutical product company and a leader in the discovery and development of drugs to reduce scarring, improve wound healing and enhance tissue regeneration.