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Freshfields advises Gustave Roussy on its strategic partnership with Sofinnova Partners
Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer (Freshfields) is advising Gustave Roussy and its subsidiary Gustave Roussy Transfert on a pro bono basis on the implementation of a strategic partnership with Sofinnova Partners as part of the Sofinnova Biovelocita platform, the first pan-European investment strategy dedicated to the creation and acceleration of biotechnology start-ups.
The long-term agreement builds on Gustave Roussy's excellence in cancer research and Sofinnova's 50 years of experience in early-stage investment in life sciences.
The partnership of excellence sought by Prof. Fabrice Barlesi and Prof. Fabrice André, respectively CEO and Director of Research at Gustave Roussy, is designed to accelerate the development of start-ups stemming from Gustave Roussy's scientific and medical research, by combining the unique skills of each to channel and stimulate the growth of innovative biotechs in oncology. Drawing on Gustave Roussy's cutting-edge expertise in cancer research and Sofinnova's know-how in investment and company creation, the partnership's mission is to create a solid ecosystem for start-ups, which will be led by Gustave Roussy Transfert.
A start-up with a first investment as part of this agreement is planned for the first half of 2024. Gustave Roussy Transfert will be a shareholder alongside the researchers behind the project and the Sofinnova Biovelocita platform. This investment will join other existing shareholdings in newly created companies of Gustave Roussy Transfert, the technology transfer company of Gustave Roussy which promotes research and the development of precision medicine in oncology.
Freshfields, with a team that included partner Fabrice Grillo and associate Lou Bernard was delighted to support Gustave Roussy, Europe's leading cancer centre and one of the world's leading cancer centres. Freshfields' lawyers are also advising Gustave Roussy's management team on the implementation of the 2030 strategic plan, including the construction of a new research centre on the historic Villejuif site, the creation of an office in Cambridge, MA (Boston area), several innovative projects for the creation and financing of new companies dedicated to the discovery of innovative drugs and molecules, the improvement of patient care, technology and of partnerships in AI.
