Sills Cummis & Gross P.C.

Since our founding four decades ago, we have become a major player in the life sciences industry, handling complex transactions on a national and international platform. Because of the complexities of life sciences transactions, we structured an experienced interdisciplinary team to provide a full range of legal services focusing on all aspects of these transactions. This allows us to offer a wide range of integrated services designed to protect your interests.

Our industry knowledge is the result of years of accumulated legal and business experience and expertise. This is why so many clients have chosen to rely on us. Our clients include a number of the largest pharmaceutical companies, medical device manufacturers, biotechnology companies, scientific and research organizations, and related life sciences companies in New Jersey and the rest of the United States, as well as international life sciences companies. We also represent start-ups as they grow and take new products to the marketplace.

We understand the fast-paced life sciences industry and know that you need answers to your legal questions in a timely manner. We are responsive and provide the necessary guidance that you need to continue with your business goals. Client service is our number one priority.

Areas of Expertise

• Licensing Arrangements
• Strategic Alliance and Collaborations
• Joint Ventures
• Manufacturing, Supply and Distribution Agreements
• Intellectual Property
• Research and Development
• Mergers and Acquisitions
• Litigation
• Public and Private Financing
• Technology Transfers
• National and International Corporate Counseling, Governance and Compliance
• Employment Law
• Real Estate
• Regulatory
• Tax

Representative Matters

• The sale of a business line focused on the development and commercialization of therapeutics for a major pharmaceutical company.
• The sale of an interactive digital communications agency serving biopharmaceutical companies in its sale to PDI, Inc., a publicly held provider of integrated promotional outsource services to health care companies.
• A license agreement with Hoffman-La Roche Inc. related to siRNA constructs and other related technology.
• The start-up financing for a company developing products to diagnose and treat dry and wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and other chronic diseases involving the alternative complement system.
• The acquisition of the Equetro business from Shire LLC, a global specialty biopharmaceutical company.
• The acquisition of Innova Corporation, which manufactures custom-designed, flexible disposable devices for the medical industry.
• Certain due diligence and other issues in connection with the $1.1 billion cash acquisition of a company focusing on RNAi drugs by Merck & Co., Inc.
• A collaboration and license agreement with Amgen Inc. relating to PDE10 inhibitors for central nervous system (CNS) indications.
• A major alliance in RNAi-based therapeutics for respiratory disease with GlaxoSmithKline comprised of a significant upfront payment and a potential value in excess of $700 million.
• A research agreement with Eli Lilly and Company relating to the use of RNAi interference in the field of oncology.
• A strategic alliance agreement with Allergan, Inc. relating to the use of RNAi interference in the field of ocular diseases.
• The acquisition of Pfizer’s California-based Shiley Heart Valve division for $280 million.
• The acquisition of COBE CV, an international cardiovascular device business, from Gambro AB for $267 million, and simultaneously handling of the sale of the Heart Lung Machine Division to Baxter to obtain U.S. antitrust clearance.
• The acquisition of Carbomedics, a manufacturer of mechanical and biological heart valves, from Zurich-based Centerpulse for $116 million.

Creating and maintaining a diverse workplace is of paramount importance to Sills Cummis & Gross. The Firm has always been an advocate of minority hiring practices and is involved in a number of minority hiring, retention and diversity initiatives. The Firm’s Diversity Committee and Women’s Group focus on initiatives to enhance the culture of Sills Cummis & Gross and the quality of service to the Firm’s clients. Sills Cummis & Gross also encourages its attorneys to actively participate in minority bar associations and local and national women’s groups. 

The Sills Cummis & Gross Diversity Committee provides an avenue to continue to promote diversity within the Firm as well as within the legal community at large. The Committee hosts events aimed at increasing the dialog on diversity and providing insights and advice from experienced diverse attorneys. The Committee also provides a mentor to each diverse attorney entering the Firm, in addition to the Firm’s other mentoring programs. The Firm’s minority hiring, retention and diversity initiatives include participation in the New Jersey Law Firm Group, the Rutgers Law School Minority Student Program, and the New Jersey Law and Education Empowerment Project. 

The Sills Cummis & Gross Women’s Group is dedicated to promoting the professional and personal growth of women attorneys. Recognizing that women face unique challenges, the Women’s Group provides a forum for meaningful discussion and learning. The Group seeks to provide mentoring for our women attorneys, positioning them to lead us into the future at our Firm and in our communities. The Group sponsors both internal programs as well as programs which includes attorneys from outside the Firm. The Firm is a supporter of the National Association of Women Lawyers and the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association.