Julian Thurston is a UK-qualified partner in the firm’s Technology Transactions Group and managing partner of the London office. He is regarded as one of the top life sciences transactional attorneys in the UK. A recent Global Counsel guide gave him the highest rating (“Leading”) and describes him as a “premier collaborative IP specialist, very highly rated for his expertise in commercial exploitation, protection and strategic planning issues, particularly within the biotech and medical device sectors . . . with almost unmatched UK and EU commercialisation and partnering expertise.” Mr. Thurston is one of the first UK attorneys to focus on life sciences transactions, and has developed a strong position in the market.

Mr. Thurston has a track record of handling transforming deals and maintains a transactional practice, with particular expertise in the representation of biotechs in IP licensing, strategic partnering and other collaboration matters. Recent transactions carried out by his team include:

• Representing Cambridge Antibody Technology Group plc in connection with a transforming strategic alliance with AstraZeneca to discover and develop human antibody therapeutics primarily in the area of inflammatory disorders. This collaboration was awarded “Business Development Deal of the Year” at the 2005 Pharmaceutical Achievement Awards conference in Boston.
• Advising Renovo on a $825 million licensing agreement with Shire plc to develop and commercialize Juvista, Renovo’s lead drug. Renovo’s exclusive licensing agreement with Shire covers every country throughout the world except Member States of the European Union, the rights to which have been retained by Renovo.
• Representing Vernalis plc in a $400 million transforming deal with Endo Pharmaceuticals comprising a North American licence and co-promotion rights agreement for FROVA and related loan and security arrangements. Also representing Vernalis in connection with a $100 million collaboration with U.S. biotech Biogen Idec and in relation to the associated equity subscription; and upon the exercise by Novartis of an option to a licence and a related equity subscription.