Abreu Advogados strengthens its Health, Life Sciences & Pharmaceutical practice with the integration of Ricardo Rocha

With extensive experience in the Health, Life Sciences & Pharmaceutical sector, Ricardo Rocha focuses his practice on regulatory and market access matters within the healthcare industry, with particular emphasis on pricing and reimbursement, as well as on the distribution and marketing of medicines, medical devices, cosmetics, food supplements and specialised nutrition products. Throughout his career, he has regularly advised domestic and multinational pharmaceutical companies and other industry operators, supporting the entire product lifecycle, from marketing authorisation through to patient access. He also advises healthcare providers across all aspects of their activities.

Inês Sequeira Mendes, Managing Partner of Abreu Advogados, emphasises: “Ricardo Rocha’s integration represents a highly significant reinforcement of our Health, Life Sciences & Pharmaceutical practice. The sector is undergoing a period of profound transformation, driven by legislative changes, technological innovation and new models for organising the healthcare system. Ricardo’s experience in regulatory and market access matters will be instrumental in ensuring rigorous and strategic legal support for our clients.”

Ricardo Rocha’s integration comes at a particularly dynamic time for the healthcare sector, marked by the growing attractiveness of Portugal for clinical trials, the implementation of the new European framework applicable to medical devices and clinical studies, as well as the approval of national legislation implementing the MDR (Medical Devices Regulation) and IVDR (In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation). At the same time, the reform of the National Health Service, the relaunch of public–private partnerships and the measures set out in the 2026 State Budget introduce new regulatory, contractual and market access challenges for industry stakeholders.

It is within this context of heightened complexity and structural transformation that Abreu Advogados is strengthening its Health, Life Sciences & Pharmaceutical team, consolidating an integrated approach that combines regulatory expertise, contractual experience and a strategic view of the sector. Ricardo Rocha’s integration enhances the firm’s ability to support domestic and international clients in highly sophisticated projects, from research and development through to the placing and maintenance of products and services on the market, ensuring legal solutions aligned with legislative developments and the increasing demands of regulatory authorities.

Ricardo Rocha states: “I am delighted to join Abreu Advogados. The current context of the healthcare sector, marked by the intensification of clinical research, the evolution of the European framework on medical devices, health data and artificial intelligence, as well as the transformation of the National Health Service, poses complex challenges for companies and institutions. I look forward to contributing my experience to support clients in navigating this demanding regulatory environment and in delivering innovative projects.”