Sidley Austin—Andreas Balsiger Betts & Olivier Goarnisson

Sidley Austin LLP has strengthened its practice in Switzerland with the appointment of Andreas Balsiger Betts and Olivier Goarnisson.

Andreas, who joins the firm as a senior adviser, is the former head of legal affairs at Swissmedic, a role which saw him take a leading role in drafting the revision of the Swiss Federal Act on Therapeutic Products and its ordinances, which will come into force in 2019. In his new role at Sidley Austin, he will advise on regulatory issues within the life sciences industry.

Olivier is the former director of medical affairs operations at global biopharmaceutical company Celgene. Dual qualified as both a lawyer and a medical doctor, he will now take on the role of counsel with Sidley Austin’s life sciences practice in Switzerland.

Scott Bass, the global head of the life sciences practice, said: ‘Andreas’s arrival initiates our effort to provide the first comprehensive global life sciences legal practice in Switzerland, offering a deep, three-continent perspective to established global companies, to the emerging biotechnology sector, and to the many global life sciences companies that call Switzerland home.

‘Andreas is highly recognized in the Swiss life sciences industry for his in-depth knowledge of the regulatory environment. His insights into Swiss institutions will significantly bolster our ability to offer global solutions to local challenges for clients in the life sciences sector. We are very happy that Olivier also joins our firm, bringing his experience in a wide range of matters related to life sciences regulatory law, specifically in the pharmaceutical industry.’