Pinsent Masons advises UK Government on first purchase of Covid-19 antivirals
21 Oct 2021 | 02:18 pm |
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised the UK government on its contracts for the purchase of significant volumes of two novel, Covid-19 specific, antivirals.
The two antivirals have been developed by MSD and Pfizer. MSD’s antiviral - Molnupiravir - has been shown to cut hospitalisation rates of Covid-19 patients by nearly half. It is also the first oral treatment that has been effective in treating Covid-19. The treatment works by targeting an enzyme the virus uses to make copies of itself. The Pfizer antiviral is in late-stage clinical development.
Commenting on the deal, lead life sciences partner Allistair Booth said:
"The response of the life sciences sector to the Covid-19 pandemic and what the sector has achieved is nothing short of phenomenal. The development of these antivirals is a further example of that. These drugs could play a key role in reducing hospitalisation of Covid-19 patients in the UK, helping to alleviate pressure on the NHS. We are proud to have worked with the UK government on securing these agreements.”
Alongside Allistair, the team working on the deals included life sciences experts Mario Subramaniam, Niki Ruprai, Andrew Cornforth, Kiah York, Serena Hitchcock, Ioana Chiva and Jackie Harris.
This follows the team’s work advising the UK government on its initial procurement of the Pfizer BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine and for its autumn revaccination programme.
Key Contacts
Latest press releases
Show me all press releasesPinsent Masons advises White Energy Company on acquisition of South Galilee Coal Project
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised White Energy Company Limited (ASX: WEC) on its agreement to acquire the entities that own the South Galilee Coal Project from the AMCI Group.
Pinsent Masons advises IFC on landmark Islamic green financing for The Sustainable City - Yiti in Oman
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, on a landmark Islamic green financing supporting the development of the Plaza District within The Sustainable City - Yiti in Muscat, Oman.
Pinsent Masons strengthens energy transition and infrastructure offering with partner hire Josh Htet
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has appointed Joshua Htet as a partner in its Energy and Infrastructure team in London, strengthening the firm's capabilities across project finance, energy transition and renewable energy.
People who viewed this press release also viewed
Show me all press releasesPinsent Masons advises SERT on transformational internalisation
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised Stoneweg Europe Stapled Trust (SERT) on its proposed aggregate c.€122 million acquisition of Stoneweg's pan-European investment management platform, a transformational transaction that will establish SERT as a fully integrated real estate owner, operator and investment manager with approximately €3.2 billion of assets under management.
Pinsent Masons strengthens IP offering with new patent attorney partner Fred Nicolle in London
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has appointed Fred Nicolle as a partner in its Intellectual Property (IP) team in London, strengthening the firm's European patents and life sciences offering.
Pinsent Masons hires leading IP partner duo Kai Ruting and Philipp Widera in Germany
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has appointed intellectual property (IP) partners Dr. Kai Rüting, LL.M. and Philipp Widera, LL.M. to join its Düsseldorf office.
For all media enquiries, including arranging an interview with one of our spokespeople, please contact the press office on
Location contacts
Europe: [email protected]
Asia: [email protected]
Middle East: [email protected]
Australia: [email protected]