Doing Life Sciences Deals in 2026 — Licensing, M&A, China, and More

Licensing Executives Society (LES)

Apr
16
2026

Date: April 16, 2026

Time: 3:00PM - 7:00PM (EST)

Location: Mintz Boston Office

Two informative panels discussed structuring life sciences transactions and key issues for biopharma licensing deals.

Structuring Your Life Sciences Transaction in 2026: Licensing vs. M&A vs. Options to Buy vs. Asset Sale

This panel covered key topics including:

  • Key considerations when structuring a life sciences deal
  • Deal trends, including the emergence of options to buy
  • How to determine when to pursue an M&A transaction, a license, an option to buy, or an asset sale
  • Strategies for doing deals with large pharmaceutical companies
  • What big pharma looks for in a deal structure
  • Whether licensing can serve as a pathway to an M&A transaction with a big pharma partner

Moderator:
Cheryl Reicin, Co‑Chair, Life Sciences Practice, Mintz

Panelists:
David Frey, Senior Counsel, Global Legal, IP and Security – Business Development, Novo Nordisk
Alan Ginsberg, VP, Head of Global Licensing & Business Development, New Therapeutic Areas, EMD Serono
Prarthana Khanna, PhD, Vice President, Corporate Business Development & Strategy, Vico Therapeutics

Navigating Licensing Deals Involving Chinese Life Sciences Assets: Strategies, Challenges, and Opportunities

This panel discussed:

  • Key regulatory and legal frameworks governing deals involving Chinese life sciences assets and how they differ from Western jurisdictions
  • Best practices for conducting due diligence when evaluating potential partners in China
  • Common deal structures for China licensing transactions, including territory splits, milestone payments, and royalty arrangements
  • Considerations for managing cross‑border communication and negotiation dynamics
  • IP protection strategies and navigating CFIUS, export controls, and other cross‑border regulatory considerations
  • Emerging trends in deals involving Chinese life sciences assets, including the rise of Chinese biotechs as licensors of innovative therapies

Moderator:
Adam Falconi, Attorney, Mintz

Panelists:
Swarna Balasubramanian, Director, BD Search & Evaluation – Respiratory & Immunology, AstraZeneca
Peng Meng Kou, PhD, Director of Business Development, Hengrui Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.
Andy Meyerson, Managing Director, Locust Walk

Offices

  • Boston

    • Professionals

  • Cheryl V. Reicin
  • Adam Falconi

    • Related Practices

  • Venture Capital & Emerging Companies
  • Mergers & Acquisitions
  • Licensing & Collaborations

    • Related Industries

  • Life Sciences

    • Speakers

    Cheryl V. Reicin

    Cheryl V. Reicin

    Moderator

    Cheryl V. Reicin is the International Chair of Mintz’s Life Sciences practice and a trusted advisor to life sciences companies and significant investors in the US, Canada, and countries around the globe. She represents biotechnology, medical device, and health technology companies at all stages of their development as well as venture capitalists, investment banks, and academic medical centers.
    Adam Falconi

    Adam Falconi

    Moderator

    Adam Falconi is an Associate at Mintz who focuses his practice on corporate law, financing, and technology transactions in the life sciences and health technology industries. He represents a range of life science and health care companies, as well as venture capital and private equity funds.