Latest report explores trends, challenges, and opportunities in the global market.

Latham & Watkins is pleased to announce the launch of its latest Healthcare & Life Sciences Market Update, a comprehensive global report examining key trends, challenges, and opportunities in the healthcare and life sciences industry.

The new report examines the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation on the healthcare and life sciences sector and examines the complex legal and regulatory challenges associated with recent innovations. The publication also highlights the fundraising situation for early-stage biotech companies amid an uncertain macroeconomic backdrop, and discusses the European Commission’s recent report on competition enforcement in the pharmaceutical sector.

The range of topics covered in the report includes:

How current fundraising conditions are compelling life sciences companies to diversify their funding options in new and creative ways.

The importance of due diligence and careful strategy when identifying and acquiring healthcare targets, amidst increasing regulation, improved investigation methods, and stricter prosecution of misconduct.

How the leap to autonomous AI has the potential to drive an even greater evolution in healthcare.

The legal and ethical boundaries surrounding AI and machine learning (ML) and how organizations should navigate them if they are to maximize its transformative power.

The importance of due diligence on software rights, data integration, AI considerations, data privacy, and cybersecurity when considering health tech acquisitions.

What companies can expect as the European Commission’s approach to competition enforcement in the pharmaceutical sector continues to evolve. 

“In uncertain times for public markets, and with private funding providers remaining cautious, the industry is witnessing a shift towards non-dilutive financing models,” said Robbie McLaren, a partner in Latham’s London office and Global Vice-Chair of the Life Sciences and Healthcare Industry Group. “Innovative models such as strategic licensing and collaborations not only provide an important lifeline to businesses in difficult times, but they are also a testament to the resilience and adaptability of biotech companies.”

“Despite market volatility and a fast-evolving regulatory environment, the healthcare and life sciences industry continues to offer significant opportunities for innovation, growth, and investment,” said Shayne Kennedy, a partner in Latham’s Silicon Valley office and Global Chair of the Life Sciences and Healthcare Industry Group. “AI and machine learning, data analytics, and digitalization continue to drive significant investment globally, but faced with a changing patchwork of regulation and intensified scrutiny, investors must focus on robust due diligence and careful strategy.” 

“We are witnessing a pivotal moment in healthcare, where the rapid adoption of technologies is converging with significant legal and regulatory change,” said Eveline Van Keymeulen, a partner in the firm’s Paris office and Global Vice Chair of Latham & Watkins' Healthcare & Life Sciences Practice & Industry Group. “Industry stakeholders must work with lawmakers to refine regulatory frameworks, balancing innovation with patient safety and ethics, shaping the sector’s future through active dialogue."