Research and Development Agreements in Life Sciences

Summary

This practice note outlines key considerations for attorneys who negotiate and draft research and development agreements (RDAs) for clients in the life sciences industry. The practice note provides guidance for you as you work with your client and negotiate and draft research and development transactions on its behalf. RDAs typically involve two or more collaborators combining expertise to undertake research and development (R&D) activities and to coordinate those activities for mutual benefit. These agreements establish the role of each party, goals and deliverables for each party, and the rules and parameters governing the R&D relationship. RDAs can take months to draft and then execute, depending on many factors, including the maturity of the companies involved, jurisdictions, and financial impact on the parties.