United Kingdom: Food, Drugs, Healthcare, Life Sciences

The UK Government has introduced sweeping reforms to the regulatory framework governing medicines and medical devices through amendments to the Health Bill currently progressing through Parliament. These proposed changes would grant the Secretary of State new powers to establish a licensing regime for medical devices and enable faster regulatory updates in response to scientific and technological advances.

A UK court has ruled on the validity of Novartis's supplementary protection certificate for Entresto, examining whether the SPC product should be defined as the specific co-complex formulation or the broader...

Police in England have today announced the trial of what is believed to be the world’s first roadside breathalyser designed specifically to detect nitrous oxide, more commonly known as “laughing gas”. For anyone concerned about drug driving investigations, this represents a significant development and could mark a turning point in how these cases are investigated and prosecuted.

The UK Government has introduced sweeping reforms to the regulatory framework governing medicines and medical devices through amendments to the Health Bill currently progressing through Parliament. These proposed changes would grant the Secretary of State new powers to establish a licensing regime for medical devices and enable faster regulatory updates in response to scientific and technological advances.

For venture-backed biotech companies, intellectual property strategy must be designed from the outset with the end goal in mind. This article explores how aligning IP decisions with future acquirer expectations, understanding exit scenarios, and building defensible patent portfolios can dramatically increase both the probability and value of successful exits in the life sciences sector.

The UK Patents Court has upheld Novartis' patent and SPC protecting Entresto, its blockbuster heart failure treatment combining valsartan and sacubitril, rejecting all validity challenges from generic manufacturer Accord Healthcare. The judgment provides crucial guidance on plausibility requirements where experimental data have been generated but not fully disclosed in the patent specification, clarifying when qualitative disclosure of positive results suffices without detailed numerical data.

Parliament is set to debate a reintroduced Bill on assisted dying that would allow terminally ill adults in England and Wales with six months or less to live to request assistance to end their own lives. The legislation includes key amendments addressing terminal illness definitions and the appointment of a Voluntary Assisted Dying Commissioner, while an expert group has raised concerns about capacity, consent, and safeguarding provisions.

Quality Compliance Systems (QCS) has formed a strategic partnership with Weightmans law firm to provide enhanced legal and compliance support to UK care providers facing workforce challenges, new employment legislation, and evolving regulatory requirements. The collaboration combines QCS's compliance expertise with Weightmans' specialist health and care sector legal knowledge to help care organizations navigate complex operational and regulatory environments. Together, they aim to deliver practical guidance

Pregnancy after stillbirth brings a complex mix of hope, grief, and anxiety. This guide explores what to expect during a subsequent pregnancy, from increased medical monitoring and emotional challenges to the additional antenatal care designed to support both mother and baby through this deeply personal journey.