Industries

Life Sciences

Our nationally recognized Life Sciences practice can help you navigate the issues associated with the development and commercialization of innovative medical products and services.

A Full-Service Practice

We have substantial experience throughout all areas of the industry including on behalf of biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device and healthcare services companies, medical-research institutes and patient organizations. Our international life science client base consists of companies in all stages of development, from startups to Fortune 50 companies. Drawing on the talents of a wide variety of professionals, many of whom have had previous careers as scientists, MDs and high-ranking government officials, we can help you to navigate the complex waters associated with the development, approval, commercialization, reimbursement and coverage of innovative medical products and services. 

Why Foley Hoag?

2,000
public and private clients, representing all facets of the Life Sciences industry
$50b+
in life sciences-related deal activity for clients over the last 10 years
1/3
of the firm’s work focused on the Life Science community, making it our largest sector
Resource Center

FEDERAL ACTIONS: STAYING INFORMED

As we navigate the changes in Washington, our team of legal professionals stands ready to help your organization anticipate and adapt to evolving federal policies, market dynamics and state and local updates. Visit our Federal Actions Resource Center to stay up-to-date.

Sector Expertise

AI & Life Sciences

Driving responsible AI innovation in life sciences by guiding development, compliance, and commercialization across the full product lifecycle
Biotechnology From gene therapy and genome sequencing to antibodies and bioinformatics, our team has a long history in the biotechnology ecosystem and can provide a range of legal services to advance your business goals
Pharmaceuticals Our lawyers and policy advisers have a long history in advising pharmaceutical companies on a full suite of transactional, regulatory, intellectual property and investigations-related matters
Diagnostics & Precision Medicine We work closely with leading diagnostic companies and investors on premarket submission strategy, rigorous compliance workplans and thorough assessments of FDA regulations, guidance and policy
Medical Device, Instruments & Analytics We provide tailored advice to medical device clients of all sizes, helping them to protect their products and technology
HealthTech & Digital Health We combine decades of experience in the healthcare, life sciences and technology sectors to effectively guide digital health clients on the regulatory, financial, IP and privacy issues they face.
Women's Health We understand the women’s health landscape and collaborate closely with founders, executives, investors and industry stakeholders on the complex challenges facing companies in the space

Featured Event

Event
Boston Life Sciences Summit
Join us on October 6 in our Boston office for our third annual Life Sciences Summit, an in-depth exploration of the evolving FDA and regulatory landscape facing life sciences companies today.

Key Team Members

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Partnerships

We are actively engaged in various industry initiatives to support the continued growth of the life sciences sector across the nation. Our broad involvement connects us to leading investors and industry participants.

Colorado Bioscience Association
An organization that advances life sciences in Colorado by building a collaborative, pro-innovation business environment.
CvilleBioHub
An organization committed to catalyzing the advancement of the bioscience industry in Virginia, by promoting synergy, ingenuity, and entrepreneurial initiatives within the regional biotech community.
Biotechnology Innovation Organization
A worldwide organization supporting biotech companies and advancing biotechnology for health, the economy, and the environment.
The Dartmouth Innovation Accelerator for Cancer
The Dartmouth Innovation Accelerator for Cancer (DIAC) supports the most promising Dartmouth research through the development pipeline to commercialization for the benefit of cancer patients.
Massachusetts Biotechnology Council (MassBio)
Strives to elevate Massachusetts' prominence in life sciences by driving pioneering research, innovation and education to enhance patient well-being.
MassChallenge
The startup competition and accelerator MassChallenge has helped entrepreneurs from more than 54 countries solve some of the world's biggest challenges. Foley Hoag has been a proud supporter and partner since day one. Our team has been engaged as mentors, judges and teachers to 3,000+ different startups over the past decade including many in the life sciences and healthcare sectors.
Healthcare Finance Management Association (HFMA)
Dedicated to advancing healthcare financial management through education, networking and professional development for members in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association (MHA)
An organization that aims to support and advance the interests of hospitals and health systems in Massachusetts by providing advocacy, education and leadership in healthcare policy and practice.
Network for Excellence in Health Innovation (NEHI)
Represents organizations from across all healthcare sectors working to advance the adoption of health innovation in diagnostics, therapies, operations, and payment models.
Personalized Medicine Coalition (PMC)
An organization committed to advancing the understanding and adoption of personalized medicine to improve patient outcomes and foster innovation in healthcare.
Food & Drug Law Institute
Facilitates dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders in the food, drug and medical device industries to address regulatory and legal issues.
Health Law Advocates (HLA)
Public interest law firm whose mission is to provide pro bono legal representation to residents in low-income situations experiencing difficulty accessing or paying for needed medical services.
Alliance for Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare (AAIH)
A professional organization dedicated to advancing the integration of artificial intelligence in healthcare for improved patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
MassMEDIC
Non-profit trade association that represents and advocates for the medical device industry in Massachusetts, fostering collaboration, innovation, and growth within the sector.

Our Experience

A sampling of the innovative deals and matters we have handled on behalf of our clients:

Deals & Cases
Foley Hoag Advises Concerto in its Agreement with Sacco System
Concerto Biosciences in a development and commercialization agreement with Sacco System.
Details
Deals & Cases
Ginkgo Bioworks in its Collaboration with Merck
Ginkgo Bioworks, the leading horizontal platform for cell programming, in a new collaboration agreement with Merck focused on improving biologic manufacturing
Details
Deals & Cases
$575 million Convertible Senior Notes Offering for Lantheus Holdings
Lantheus Holdings in a Rule 144A offering of $575 million aggregate principal amount of the company’s 2.625% convertible senior notes due 2027
Details
Deals & Cases
Purdue Research Foundation in the Royalty Monetization of Pluvicto
Purdue Research Foundation, a private not-for-profit institute to advance the research of Purdue University, in the $100 million sale of a portion of its royalty interest in Pluvicto (Lutetium 177Lu vipivotide tetraxetan) to Owl Rock
Details
Deals & Cases
AGTC in its Sale to Syncona
Applied Genetic Technologies Corporation, a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of adeno-associated virus-based gene therapies for the treatment of rare and debilitating diseases in its sale to a portfolio company of Syncona Limited
Details
Deals & Cases
Series A Funding for Concerto Bioscience
Concerto Biosciences, a biotechnology company designing microbial communities that restore deficient microbiomes to treat disease, in its $23 million Series A funding round
Learn More
Deals & Cases
Tumor-targeting Startup Vergent BioSciences in Series B
Vergent Bioscience, a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing tumor-targeted imaging agents, in a $21.5 million Series B financing
Learn More
Deals & Cases
$42M Series D for Alloy Therapeutics
Alloy Therapeutics, a biotechnology ecosystem company, in a $42 million Series D financing round to further support the drug discovery community
Learn more
Deals & Cases
Satellite Bio in $110 million Seed and Series A Fundings
Satellite Bio, a regenerative medicine company, in raising $110 million in Seed and Series A funding to support the development of bioengineered tissues that repair, restore or replace critical organ or tissue function
Learn more
More

Awards & Accolades

Chambers USA 2025
Ranked as a leading law firm in Chambers USA 2026 in a variety of areas, including Life Sciences, Corporate/M&A, IP and Venture Capital Investment
The Legal 500
Recognized nationally in multiple practice areas including Healthcare: Life Sciences, M&A: Middle-Market (sub-$500 million) and Venture Capital & Emerging Companies by The Legal 500 United States 2026
Best Lawyers
57 Foley Hoag lawyers were listed in the 2026 edition; 4 attorneys named "Lawyer of the Year" and 46 attorneys recognized as “Ones to Watch”
U.S. News - Best Lawyers
Recognized nationally for Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Litigation - Intellectual Property, Patent, Corporate, Mergers & Acquisitions and Venture Capital law in the 2025 Best Lawyers “Best Law Firms” rankings; overall, Foley Hoag is ranked in 22 national & 40 regional categories
Managing Intellectual Property
Managing IP has recognized six Foley Hoag attorneys and the firm in its IP Stars ranking. This annual list recognizes the world's leading IP and patent firms and practitioners. Rankings are based on recommendations from attorney peers and clients.
LMG Life Sciences
Six Foley Hoag partners recognized as leaders in their field; recognized as a leading firm for Licensing & Collaboration, Patent Prosecution and Venture Capital transactions
IAM Licensing 250
Named to IAM Licensing 250 - The World’s Leading Patent Licensing Lawyers list as well as to the Patent and Litigation 250 - The World’s Leading Patent Litigators
IFLR1000
One of only six Massachusetts law firms ranked in Tier 1 for M&A by IFLR1000 2021; shortlisted for Massachusetts Law Firm of the Year 2021

Related News & Insights

Events

Upcoming Past
Foley Hoag Event
October 05, 2026

The Cell & Gene Meeting on the Mesa

Speaking Engagement
October 06, 2026

WIPR Trade Secrets East

Sponsorship
October 08, 2026

WOCE: Startup Party with a Purpose

Sponsorship
October 08, 2026

MedTech Ahead Event: October 2026

Foley Hoag Event
October 09, 2026

2026 AIPPI World Congress

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We have the in-depth experience in both intellectual property and commercial law to create value out of innovation
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Our Royalty Monetization team is widely recognized as the leader in the highly specialized field of pharmaceutical royalty monetizations and has advised on numerous transactions with an aggregate value in excess of $10 billion
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We keep clients ahead of the shifts and out of the gray areas with an approach built on a deep understanding of healthcare law and a strong tradition of developing innovative legal solutions
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We have a solid knowledge of the issues to provide counsel and resolution for our clients. 
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We provide the innovative counsel and constant diligence that companies need to bring products to market and have a voice in regulatory processes
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Labor & Employment
Our attorneys have deep knowledge of federal and state labor and employment law and help companies manage their workplace legal issues
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State Legislative & Regulatory Policy For Life Sciences
Our healthcare and life sciences regulatory team regularly interfaces with state and local government agencies on a wide variety of legislative and regulatory matters affecting the life sciences
 
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