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 advised La Banque Postale and Bpifrance
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons in Paris advised La Banque Postale and Bpifrance in connection with the financing of the repowering of two wind farms (Marsanne and Grand Bois) owned by funds managed by Octopus Energy Generation, for an amount exceeding €83 million.
Pinsent Masons advises INDY Cinema on its acquisition by VERSANT
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised international cinema technology business INDY Cinema (INDY) on its acquisition by New York-based VERSANT, an industry-changing media and entertainment company.
Pinsent Masons and Central Saint Martins unveil new exhibition celebrating emerging artists
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons, in collaboration with the world-renowned art and design college Central Saint Martins (CSM), University of the Arts London has announced the winner of its inaugural Prize celebrating emerging creative talent at an exhibition at its London headquarters, Crown Place.
People who viewed this press release also viewed
Show me all press releasesPinsent Masons advises INDY Cinema on its acquisition by VERSANT
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised international cinema technology business INDY Cinema (INDY) on its acquisition by New York-based VERSANT, an industry-changing media and entertainment company.
Pinsent Masons advises on acquisition of Alba Renewables
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised Southeast Asia-based clean energy developer Alba Renewables on its acquisition by a leading global investment firm.
Pinsent Masons advises Great British Energy, National Wealth Fund and Scottish National Investment Bank on Pentland Investment
Multinational law firm Pinsent Masons has advised Great British Energy (“GBE”), the National Wealth Fund (“NWF”) and the Scottish National Investment Bank (“SNIB”) on their acquisition of a stake in Pentland Offshore Wind Farm from Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (“CIP”) and agreed to provide an aggregate investment of up to £150,000,000 in the project.
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]