written by: Min Ji Suh
As a PharmD/JD Dual degree student for a little over two years, I have been pursuing pharmacy school by day, and law school at night. My interest in the convergence of these two challenging, very different disciplines was driven by a deep appreciation for the significance of intellectual property (IP) in today's dynamic legal and healthcare landscape. In an era that is defined by rapid technological, medical advancements and constantly evolving legal frameworks, I am uniquely positioned to navigate the intersection of law and pharmacy through IP as an intriguing and promising career path. IP plays a pivotal role in today’s globalized world in safeguarding innovation and creative thinking across various industries including pharmaceuticals and healthcare. The process of bringing a new medication to the market for instance, is an extremely costly investment. It results in precious intellectual property for drug developers that rewards them with exclusivity on their creations and ultimately, provides continued incentives for companies to invest in medication research and development for improved population health outcomes. While this system has undoubtedly led to the discovery of groundbreaking drugs and medical advancements however, it also presents with downsides. A company’s monopoly of a drug and its production and sale allows it to set prices that maximize revenue, driving up drug costs and making essential treatments inaccessible to many patients, especially those without adequate insurance coverage. Striking a balance between promoting innovation and ensuring affordability remains a significant challenge in IP law and healthcare.
Simultaneously pursuing a PharmD and JD has equipped me with not only a well-balanced blend of legal and clinical knowledge, but has also allowed me to grow into a versatile professional capable of successfully navigating the complex terrains of patent prosecution and litigation, regulatory compliance, and innovation oversight in highly specialized fields. My pharmacy education has allowed
me to build a strong foundation in chemistry, pharmacology, and biology, which is crucial for understanding and analyzing the technical aspects of pharmaceutical patents and innovations, such as a drug’s formulation or its mechanism of action. With my dual degree, I am capable of providing a more comprehensive perspective in discussing a corporation’s patent rights, bridging the gap between legal arguments and scientific evidence and facilitating effective communication and collaboration. During my pharmacy rotation earlier this summer at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., I had the privilege of speaking with various attorneys on Regeneron’s legal team and observing first-hand how its representatives respond to transactional disputes in drug development and review niche contracts involving numerous stakeholders. As an IP attorney with a specialty in pharmacy, I will better understand industry-specific challenges, and eventually tailor my legal advice to align with a client’s strategic goals and protect and leverage its intellectual assets.
With my background, I foresee myself ideally working with and reforming legislative and statutory processes to advance innovative research-based drug development and advocate for both legal and pharmaceutical affairs in the process of effective healthcare delivery upon graduation. I hope to engage in patent preparation, prosecution, and litigation with cutting-edge biologics, drugs, and other
regenerative therapies, ensuring the safe and proper evolution of healthcare technology. I am committed to making a meaningful impact that prioritizes both creative growth and patient welfare, upholding the principles of intellectual property law.