Core Challenges for the Life Sciences (2): Geopolitics Reshaping Legal Strategy and Deal-Making in the Global Life Sciences Sector

13 Oct 2026
Keynote Session
Armed conflict, pricing interventions, the weaponisation of tariffs and intensifying policy competition between major jurisdictions are rapidly reshaping the global operating environment for life science organisations. As geopolitical tensions rise, companies must ensure that international relations are appropriately factored into their approaches to cross-border transactions, global market planning and long-term legal decision-making.

This cross-practice keynote will examine how geopolitical developments are reshaping legal strategy across the life sciences sector, and what this means for how you and your company should approach international investment and global deal-making.

- How are geopolitical tensions and policy interventions, including U.S. MFN pricing and the BIOSECURE Act, reshaping the legal and commercial risks life science companies must manage across global markets?
- How are life science legal teams adapting global strategy in response to increasing government intervention in drug pricing, trade policy and supply chains?
- How are geopolitical risks influencing how companies structure and execute cross-border life science transactions, including M&A, partnership and licensing agreements?
- How should legal teams balance geopolitical risk with commercial opportunity when pursuing international investment and strategic partnerships?
Speakers
Antje Katrin Weigelt
Antje Katrin Weigelt, SVP, General Counsel & Head of Governmental Affairs Europe - Teva
Charles Sermon
Charles Sermon, Co-Founder, General Counsel & Business Development - Mereo BioPharma
David Lawless
David Lawless, Senior Director, Assistant General Counsel - Regeneron
Rob Rodrigues
Rob Rodrigues, Partner - RNA Law