Further recognition for our market-leading work in the life sciences sector

We have won Life Sciences Team of the Year at the Legal Business Awards 2023 for advising on three simultaneous transformational transactions for AIM-listed Shield Therapeutics plc.

Led by partners Andrew Edge, Adrian Toutoungi and Fiona Coady, supported by associates Samuel Curme, Victoria Smaill, Charlie Adams, Kate Bowden, Alexander Swayne, and trainee Joe Burton, the transactions included a three-pronged equity fundraising, the extension of a convertible debt facility with Austrian headquartered international pharmaceutical company AOP Health International, and an exclusive, multi-year transformational collaboration agreement with global healthcare company Viatris, Inc. This transaction enabled Shield to accelerate commercialisation of its iron deficiency product, Accrufer®, in the United States and total prescriptions for the second quarter of 2023 were 173% higher than those for the corresponding period in 2022.

Lucy Bailey, General Counsel of Shield Therapeutics said: "The Taylor Wessing lawyers were an integral part of the Shield team, working alongside myself and the Shield senior management and Board. The combination of deep life sciences sector experience with equity capital markets and debt financing expertise of the highest calibre was essential to successful delivery of their service, but what stood out for me was the judgement and advice they offered."

Greg Madison, CEO of Shield Therapeutics plc said: "We are very grateful to the Taylor Wessing team for their continued support and involvement throughout this complex transaction. The collaborative approach from the Taylor Wessing Corporate, Commercial and Finance teams and in-depth expertise from all practices was simply outstanding."

Commenting on this award, UK Managing Partner Shane Gleghorn said: "We are delighted with this latest recognition for our Life Sciences and Healthcare Sector group which demonstrates the power of our strategic focus and continuous investment in talent that enabled us to work together with Shield Therapeutics to successfully achieve their objectives.”

This award follows our recognition as at Law.com's 2022 British Legal Awards where we were named Life Sciences Team of the Year for advising Apollo Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company progressing transformative treatments based on breakthrough discoveries, on its $145 million series A financing. Taylor Wessing has also advised in relation to Apollo's recent $226 million Series C financing.

Additional plaudits at the Legal Business Awards included being highly commended in the category of Real Estate Team of the Year, as well as being on the shortlist for Legal Technology Team of the Year.