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30-04-2019

Eversheds Sutherland supports AstraZeneca with its artificial intelligence collaboration to accelerate drug discovery

Eversheds Sutherland has advised global biopharmaceutical company AstraZeneca on its long-term collaboration (commencing, 30 April 2019) with BenevolentAI to use artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning for the discovery and development of potential new treatments for chronic kidney disease (CKD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Charlotte Walker-Osborn, technology and cybersecurity law Partner and international head of Eversheds Sutherland’s technology sector, led the team, with assistance from the global legal practice’s intellectual property and privacy & cybersecurity law teams.

For this collaboration, Eversheds Sutherland advised AstraZeneca on the complex contractual, intellectual property, collaboration, data, technology, cyber and AI aspects.

Working closely with AstraZeneca’s business and legal teams as well as BenevolentAI and its legal advisers, Cooley, Eversheds Sutherland helped shape, draft and negotiate a fit for purpose and future-proofed contract to secure the successful tie-up.

Charlotte Walker-Osborn said:

“The pharmaceutical industry is research-intensive and well-known for its complexity and its highly innovative approach. This was another opportunity to draw on our extensive knowledge of and experience in technology, IP and cyber and data law, while pulling together strands from traditional pharma as well as bleeding edge AI aspects to help shape and create an innovative solution that would meet the needs of our client. We are delighted to have helped AstraZeneca create a ground-breaking collaboration with its partner BenevolentAI to accelerate certain drug discovery and look forward to supporting AstraZeneca on future technology, AI and machine learning matters.”

This information is for guidance purposes only and should not be regarded as a substitute for taking legal advice. Please refer to the full terms and conditions on our website.

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