Xin Tao

Xin's practice focuses on advising high-growth companies and investors in life science and technology industries on cross-border compliance and transaction. Based in Washington DC, he has also represented many companies during high-stake US government investigations (including actions initiated by the US Congress, US Department of Justice (DOJ), and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)) for product safety and national security issues. Xin has a strong track record in US consumer product enforcement and litigation matters, and with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in navigating the complex and interrelated legal and scientific issues, Xin can creatively and effectively represent companies in these bet-the-company cases.

As a seasoned US life science counsel, and a former research scientist, Xin also draws on his expertise and experience to provide clients with practical advice regarding cross-border life science collaboration and transactions.  Xin works extensively with pharma, medical device, food and cosmetic companies with all issues related to novel product launch in the US market, including clinical trials, product supply, promotion, manufacturing, and distribution. 

Xin handled the following matters

• Advised H.Lundbeck A/S (Lundbeck) on its acquisition of Longboard Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The transaction is valued at approximately USD 2.6 billion equity value and USD 2.5 billion (approximately DKK 17 billion) net of cash.
• Advised Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Co., Ltd. (ZPMC), a world-leading heavy-duty equipment manufacturer, during a US Congressional investigation. 
• Advised Duality Biologics (Shanghai), a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) therapeutics for cancer and autoimmune diseases, with its cross-border clinical trial collaboration with AstraZeneca.
• Advised an Australian medical device company in conducting internal investigation for legal compliance and engaging FDA for concurrence of voluntary corrective actions to address potential violations.
• Advised Vandemoortele, a leading European family-owned food group, in a strategic partnership with Banneton, a high-quality manufacturer of premium freezer-to-oven croissants, Danishes and pastries in North America.
• Advised Takeda in connection with its worldwide license and collaboration agreement with Protagonist Therapeutics, Inc., for the development and commercialization of rusfertide.
• Advised a leading Asian E-commerce platform company on its strategy with global regulatory risk compliance and mitigation for consumer products in US.
• Advised a leading Asian pharmaceutical company in resolving FDA Warning Letter for drug cGMP violations and delisting from Import Alert.
• Advised a leading Asian food and beverage company in obtaining FDA's concurrence for conducting a voluntary market withdrawal instead of a nationwide product recall.
• Advised multiple global life sciences companies in conducting clinical trials and investigator-initiated trials (IIT) in China, developing response to enforcement actions to narrow the scope of follow-up actions in China and conducting the first drug recall in China initiated by a major global pharmaceutical company.

• Chambers USA 2024 & 2025 "Up and Coming"
• Thomson Reuters Stand-out Lawyer, 2024
• Rising Star, Washington, DC Food and Drug Law, Super Lawyers, 2020-2023
• Law360 Life Sciences Editorial Advisory Board, 2023