Research and Development Agreements in Life Sciences Checklist

Summary

This checklist guides attorneys representing drug, medical device, and other life sciences clients in the drafting, review, and negotiation of research and development agreements (RDAs). The parties to life sciences RDAs typically include two organizations: a commercial organization and an academic institution, or commercial organization or academic institution and a private funder. The parties use a research and development agreement to memorialize their roles and responsibilities in the research and development process. For example, a start-up company may enter into an RDA with a large pharmaceutical company in order to research and develop a novel therapeutic or drug, which the large pharmaceutical company may manufacturer after it is developed.