Japan strengthens its life sciences sector through a high-level recruitment in Isshiki
In the dynamic world of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, Japanese law firms are making strategic moves to stay ahead of the curve. One such firm, Isshiki & Partners, has recently bolstered its ranks with the addition of Hiromi Furushima as a partner.
Furushima brings over two decades of experience in pharmaceutical law, specialising in the life sciences sector. Her expertise includes negotiating business development agreements, developing and executing IP strategies, managing IP litigation, and handling criminal matters involving pharmaceutical regulatory violations.
Before joining Isshiki & Partners, Furushima served as the director of international legal at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals and rose to corporate officer and general counsel at Novartis Pharma KK and Novartis Holding Japan KK. Her tenure at Novartis included oversight of legal and intellectual property matters for the company's Japanese operations.
Furushima's career has also seen stints at Nishimura & Partners (now Nishimura & Asahi), Ito & Mitomi (now Morrison Foerster), and Koga & Partners.
The addition of Furushima to Isshiki & Partners comes at a time when Japanese law firms are increasingly competing for talent with specialised expertise in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. This trend is driven by the sectors' rapid evolution, which has seen significant regulatory and commercial activity in recent years.
Isshiki & Partners, now with ten lawyers, including seven partners, is well-positioned to capitalise on this trend. The firm offers a blend of legal, regulatory, and technical expertise, addressing the complex, science-driven legal needs of the sector. With Furushima's extensive experience, the firm can navigate both domestic and international regulatory landscapes more effectively.
The competition landscape in the pharmaceuticals and biotechnology sectors is intense, with both domestic and international law firms vying for high-value work. Japanese firms, like Isshiki & Partners, maintain a strong position in domestic regulatory affairs and local market entry strategies, where nuanced understanding of Japan’s regulatory environment is critical.
International law firms with life sciences practices also compete for cross-border work, particularly in IP litigation, licensing, and multinational regulatory strategy. However, Japanese firms like Isshiki & Partners, with their deep regulatory expertise and integrated teams, are well-equipped to serve both Japanese and international companies looking to enter or expand in the Japanese market.
As Japan continues to evolve its frameworks for advanced therapies such as cell and gene therapies, law firms with expertise in these areas will be in high demand. Isshiki & Partners, with Furushima's addition, is poised to capitalise on opportunities in regenerative medicine and government incentives, helping clients navigate the complexities of this rapidly evolving field.
In conclusion, the pharmaceuticals and biotechnology sectors are witnessing significant change, and Japanese law firms are adapting by deepening their regulatory and technical expertise, integrating legal and scientific teams, and building cross-border capabilities. With the addition of Hiromi Furushima, Isshiki & Partners is well-positioned to lead in this dynamic market.
- Hiromi Furushima's expertise in intellectual property Strategy, IP litigation, and pharmaceutical law makes her an invaluable asset for Isshiki & Partners in their work with clients in the pharmaceuticals and biotechnology sectors.
- The addition of Furushima, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the life sciences sector, positions Isshiki & Partners to navigating both domestic and international regulatory landscapes more effectively.
- Japanese law firms, such as Isshiki & Partners, are increasingly competing for talent with specialized expertise in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, reflecting the sectors' rapid evolution and increased regulatory and commercial activity.
- Isshiki & Partners' strategy of integrating legal, regulatory, and technical expertise, coupled with its deep regulatory expertise and cross-border capabilities, makes it well-equipped to serve both Japanese and international companies looking to enter or expand in the Japanese market, particularly in the rapidly evolving field of regenerative medicine.
