Xin Tao

Xin's practice focuses on advising high-growth companies and investors in life science, healthcare, E-commerce, and technology industries globally. As part of the firm's US Government Enforcement Practice, he has represented many global 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)) around the world. Xin also has a strong track record in US consumer product recall 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 works closely with global companies with novel pharmaceutical, medical device, food, and cosmetic applications that require US government's pre-market approval or clearance and FDA Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) compliance. Xin has extensive experience advising both emerging and established companies on the strategy with launching and promoting innovative products. Closely working with our life science transaction and IP licensing team, Xin also draws on his expertise and experience to provide clients with practical advice regarding cross- border life science collaboration and transactions.

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.

• Successfully helped a global technology 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 global medical device company on its strategy of establishing compliance with the US healthcare fraud and abuse laws for selecting advisory board members.

• Advised a leading global E-commerce company on its strategy with global regulatory risk compliance and mitigation for consumer products.

• Successfully helped a global pharmaceutical company in resolving FDA Warning Letter for drug cGMP violations and delisting from Import Alert.

• Successfully helped a global food and beverage company in obtaining FDA's concurrence for conducting a voluntary market withdrawal instead of a nationwide product recall.

• Advised a dietary supplement company during a voluntary nationwide product recall and helped implement corrective actions.

• Successfully obtained FDA's favorable review of intended uses of novel food additives, generally recognized as safe substances (GRAS), and food contact substances (FCS) in foods and beverages.

• Developed legal strategies in helping consumer products companies and trade associations establish compliance with California's Proposition 65 warning and federal and state laws and regulations involving heavy metals and PFAS.

• Successfully helped global life sciences companies in developing response to NMPA (China) enforcement actions to narrow the scope of follow-up actions; developed premarket strategy of new drug products and advised on one of the first drug recalls in China conducted by a global pharmaceutical company.

• Chambers USA 2024 – "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