Pinsent Masons advises GNA Biosolutions GmbH on Covid-19 rapid PCR test

11 Jan 2021 | 10:23 am | 1 min. read

Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons advised GNA Biosolutions GmbH on IP and commercial aspects of its rapid PCR Covid-19 test.

The test, developed by German molecular diagnostics company GNA Biosolutions, has been approved by the domestic regulatory German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM). The new PCR test, which produces a result in 40 minutes, is being rolled out across Germany with EU-wide approval expected in the coming months

The reliability of the rapid test system by GNA Biosolutions is comparable to common PCR tests, which, however, require up to 48 hours for a result.

The Pinsent Masons team advising on the deal was led by corporate partner Tobias Rodehau and included head of German public and regulatory Dr. Anke Empting, commercial and IP partner Dr. Michael Reich, technology, science and industry sector head Dr. Florian von Baum, head of German IP Marc Holtorf, and commercial legal director Dr. Igor Barabash.

Commenting on the project, Tobias Rodehau, said: "We are proud to have been able to assist GNA Biosolutions GmbH with this important project. Thanks to our expertise in the life sciences sector, we are familiar with the specifics of this industry and have been able to assemble a cross disciplinary team to play a role in facilitating swift access to this groundbreaking technology."

GNA Biosolutions GmbH is a long-standing client of Pinsent Masons. In 2019 the firm successfully advised the company on its USD 13.5 million Series C financing.

The Bavarian state government has acquired six GNA Biosolutions test devices, which were officially approved in December, as well as 60,000 test kits.

Meet the team

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Tobias Rodehau

Rechtsanwalt, Partner

Tobias specialises in small and mid-cap private equity transactions, with a focus on venture capital transactions.

Tobias Rodehau
Dr. Florian von Baum

Rechtsanwalt, Partner, Sector Head Technology, Science & Industry

Florian is the lead of the global sector Technology, Science & Industry at Pinsent Masons. He specializes in Technology Transfer, (Out-)Sourcing and Supply Chain Contracts including contract disputes, as well as digital and data regulation advising German and international, particularly US clients.

von Baum Florian
Marc L. Holtorf

Rechtsanwalt, Partner, Head of German Life Sciences

Marc is Deputy Head of Pinsent Masons Germany. He also heads the German Life Sciences team. He specialises in supporting pharmaceutical, medical device and other high-tech companies in navigating through the complex world of contentious and non-contentious intellectual property.

Marc Holtorf

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