Five minutes with… Jacqueline Mulryne
Amid the unprecedented challenges presented by COVID-19, questions around the use of second medical use (SMU) patents have become increasingly pertinent. On Tuesday December 1, LSPN Connect ’s session: Addressing Second Medical Use Infringement: An Evaluation of Recent SMU Cases will examine a number of key issues relating to this pivotal area of life sciences IP.
The session will feature the insights of a panel of elite IP partners and leaders, including: Jacqueline Mulryne, partner at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer, Justin Turner QC at Three New Square Intellectual Property, Shahan Islam, senior counsel (patents) at Pfizer and Sheldon Hamilton, partner at Smart & Biggar.
During the session, the speakers will explore the latest cutting-edge issues affecting SMUs including:
- what generic manufacturers should do before a product launch when an SMU patent is in force;
- what practical steps an SMU patent owner should take when infringement is suspected;
- the impact of the latest cases on patent protection in varying jurisdictions; and
- how the regulatory environment can help protect SMU patents.
LSIPR caught up with one of the speakers, Arnold & Porter’s Mulryne, to find out more...
LSIPR: What are you looking forward to discussing in the LSPN Connect session?
Jacqueline Mulryne: The overlap between the IP and regulatory questions. I am a life sciences regulatory lawyer, but I enjoy the crossover with other groups and practices, particularly IP.
The launch of medicinal products covers so many areas, but sometimes the groups affected don’t work together as well as they could. SMUs is an area where both IP and regulatory questions are relevant, particularly in terms of how these patents are enforced and the commercial value of the patents to the company.
The regulatory aspects are not always front of mind for the patent teams, but I hope I can show that it is important to consider both in a patent strategy.
What made you decide to become a life sciences lawyer?
I am a scientist at heart, but I learned early on that my brain isn’t designed for research! I attended various events at university that showcased alternative careers for scientists. I met an Arnold & Porter representative at one of those events and was really interested in the mix of law and science they spoke about. The piecing together of law and guidance to find solutions to problems within a legal framework suits how I think.
After my legal conversion course, I joined Arnold & Porter because of their strong reputation in life sciences. I really enjoyed working in the regulatory team—and the interactions with government and healthcare bodies. I’ve been there ever since!
Have you faced any barriers or challenges in your career?
I’ve been incredibly lucky in my career, which has featured great mentors and supervisors, and really interesting work. It’s a cliché, but the hardest part for me—career-wise— was when I became a parent. Before I went on maternity leave, I had no doubts that I could and wanted to, make partner. But coming back to work was quite a shock to the system and I put a lot of pressure on myself to continue to progress. I was promoted that year, but it was quite stressful.
I have learned (and am still learning) how to focus more on healthier attitudes to stress and career advancement, as well as sticking to my priorities and maintaining a work-life balance—particularly while working remotely. I also try to tell others that taking a little longer to reach your goals doesn’t matter in the long run, and it is more important to look after yourself and your family.
Who or what inspires you?
I don’t like singling out people, as so many different people have inspired and mentored me, at different times and in different ways. I admire successful people who have achieved the balance I strive to find, and who love what they do, and who do it with compassion. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Jacinda Ardern or Michelle Obama are slightly unoriginal suggestions, but still valid.
What advice would you give less experienced lawyers?
For junior lawyers, I would say: “Try to get as much experience in as many areas as possible.” Life sciences regulatory law covers a wide range of topics, and having experience in a number of those helps. Getting an opportunity to work in-house on secondment, and to see how the advice of senior practitioners is used, is also really useful.
More broadly than that, a love of the job and the subject matter of course helps. I see many people who are going through the motions, but the really successful lawyers love what they do. There are so many different types of law, in so many different firms and companies— everyone should be able to find a type of law they feel passionate about and an environment in which they can thrive.
What is the best part of your job?
The crossover between science and law. As a failed scientist, I enjoy hearing about new innovations that can be life-changing for patients. It is incredibly rewarding to help companies navigate the regulatory landscape so these products can get to patients as quickly and safely as possible.
Jacqueline Mulryne is a regulatory life science partner at Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer, where she advises clients in the pharmaceutical and medtech sectors. She can be contacted at: jacqueline.mulryne@arnoldporter.com
