Life Sciences

Protect today, prepare for tomorrow.

Life Sciences

In life sciences, innovation never stops. Risk expertise shouldn’t either.

In a sector defined by rapid progress, risk changes at every stage of development. 

 

Life sciences organizations — including pharmaceutical and biotech innovators, manufacturers, startups, medical technology and device makers, and clinical trial sponsors — operate under the combined demands of scientific advancement, patient outcomes, and regulatory scrutiny. 

 

Across the sector, risk now comes from multiple directions: supply chains face greater disruption, expanding data volumes increase privacy and security exposure, and mergers and acquisitions introduce additional layers of liability. 

  

The sector is defined by constant change. As organizations move from research to clinical trials, regulatory review, and commercialization, their risk profile shifts with every step. Insurance programs cannot stay static they must adapt as the business evolves, not just at renewal but throughout the lifecycle. 

 

An industry driven by innovation demands equally specialized risk expertise. Yet many brokers still rely on generalist solutions and show up at renewal without ever truly understanding the science, the regulations, or how risk actually takes shape in this industry. 

 

There is little margin for error. Gaps in coverage can carry serious consequences, from clinical trial insurance that fails to meet local requirements, creating compliance issues and jeopardizing the success of trials, to financial and reputational impact. 

 

Cross-border clinical trials, global supply chains, and differing liability frameworks add further pressure. Getting biotech and pharmaceutical insurance right goes beyond compliance—it is foundational to how life sciences organizations operate, scale, and protect the innovations they bring to life. 

Protecting innovation at every stage—from research to market

Fast-moving innovation introduces risks that planning alone cannot fully control

Even a well-designed and carefully executed study may result in harm to participants, exposing sponsors, contract research organizations, and research institutions to substantial liability.  Companies specializing in clinical trials insurance help mitigate this risk through policies that account for regulatory jurisdictions, protocol duration, and extended reporting periods. As companies move closer to market, new risks emerge in how products are manufactured, distributed, and supported after launch.

Planning for specific risk scenarios in advance is a key part of effective pharmaceutical risk management, preventing issues from developing into claims.

These include product liability arising from adverse drug events or device failures, data privacy exposures linked to security breaches or data leaks, and professional liability tied to errors and omissions.

The right insurance program addresses these exposures through a coordinated solution built around how the business operates. 

The life sciences risk and insurance products we offer

  • Medical professions drawing fluid from a vile

    Clinical trials insurance

    Coverage for participant injury, sponsor liability, and jurisdiction-specific clinical trial requirements, including no-fault obligations where required.

  • Microscope

    Product liability insurance

    Responds to bodily injury and property damage claims arising out defective or unsafe products.

  • Medical staff working at a terminal

    Professional liability insurance

    Coverage for errors and omissions and negligence claims, including R&D, diagnostics, and consulting.

  • Reviewing DNA patterns

    Cyber liability insurance

    Addresses business interruption, data breach response, and other financial consequences of a cyber incident.

  • People checking graphs on a screen

    Management liability insurance

    Protection for the company’s leadership against claims related to governance, employment practices, and management decisions.

  • Lab worker with petri dish

    Clinical trials services

    Support arranging insurance for clinical trials, including coverage design, placement, local documentation, and claims coordination.

Why choose us? The Howden Difference

We are global experts in the life sciences field.

From research through commercialization, life sciences risks do not stay still. We structure insurance programs around current exposures, future milestones, and how the business is evolving. 

Pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, and nutraceutical companies each face distinct regulatory and operational risks. We bring targeted, specialist insight to your business. 

A dedicated team oversees your program across the entire lifecycle, from seed investment to global sales and manufacturing. We deliver integrated consulting, risk advisory, placement, and claims support, working proactively to anticipate issues before they arise. 

We build a service model aligned to your specific needs, providing practical support across policy administration, claims, and employee education, so your team can stay focused on the business. 

Ready to talk?

Meet our life sciences team

  • Photo of John Connolly

    John Connolly

    Executive Managing Director, Life Sciences Industry Leader
    Photo of John Connolly

    John Connolly

    Executive Managing Director, Life Sciences Industry Leader

    John is a respected leader with over 35 years specializing in risk management and strategic insurance consulting for Life Science Companies across the world, John is Life Sciences Industry Leader and Executive Managing Director at Howden US and is based in Philadelphia, PA.

    John leads a growing Life Sciences Team at Howden US which is aligning itself with Howden’s unparalleled Global Life Science capabilities. He has built his reputation as a passionate and innovative advocate and partner with his clients.

    John began his career working in Lloyd’s of London and has spent the last 30 years in the USA at global insurance brokers focused on the needs of Life Science organizations. He earned an LLB (hons) from City of Birmingham University in England and has twice been recognized as a “Power Broker” by Risk & Insurance.

  • Photo of Giselle Lugones

    Giselle Lugones

    Vice-Chairman, Executive Managing Director, Healthcare, Life Sciences and Education
    Photo of Giselle Lugones

    Giselle Lugones

    Vice-Chairman, Executive Managing Director, Healthcare, Life Sciences and Education

    A visionary leader with over 30 years at the forefront of healthcare risk management and strategic insurance advisory, Giselle currently serves as Vice Chairman and Executive Managing Director at Howden, and as member of the Executive Committee, where she helps shape the future of healthcare and education risk solutions. Based in Miami, Florida, she brings unmatched expertise in navigating complex portfolios, pioneering alternative risk strategies, and forging enduring partnerships with clients across the industry.

    She has led transformative initiatives in medical malpractice, captives, and risk retention groups; built and scaled teams; driven innovation; and consistently delivered results that redefine industry standards.
    Giselle blends academic precision with real-world insight to craft bespoke solutions for healthcare organizations facing today’s most pressing challenges. Her leadership style is bold yet collaborative, grounded in data, and focused on sustainable growth—with a passion for mentoring talent and driving meaningful change.

Speak to our Life Sciences team today

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