Morrison Foerster recently hosted its “Life Sciences Update: Finding Opportunity Amidst Growing Complexity” seminar in Tokyo, with the support of the American Chamber of Commerce in Japan, the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan, and the Japan In-House Counsel Network. The event attracted industry professionals from across the life sciences industry and featured a broad program covering various issues that are shaping the sector in Japan and around the world.
MoFo partners shared insights on life sciences M&A, private equity dynamics, dispute risks in long-term development partnerships, patent strategy for emerging technologies, licensing and supply chain issues, antitrust developments, and the rapidly evolving regulatory and compliance landscape. Together, the sessions underscored the importance of commercially grounded deal structuring, proactive risk management, and strategic IP planning across the global life sciences sector.
The seminar concluded with a panel discussion featuring Alex Schweisgut, Head of APAC Healthcare Investment Banking at Bank of America, and Divya Murthy, Senior Director, Corporate Business Development HQs at Eisai, who discussed how shifting market conditions are reshaping cross-border life sciences dealmaking and driving a greater focus on partnerships and licensing. The panel stressed that regional stability, diversification, and disciplined structuring will be essential in the next phase of transactions.
Topics discussed:
- Regulatory enforcement trends impacting the life sciences sector
- Cross-border M&A, strategic collaborations, and investment themes
- Dispute resolution
- Patent prosecution strategies for emerging technologies
- Licensing, supply chain, and antitrust developments
- Market perspectives from Bank of America and Eisai
