Weightmans’ Newcastle Corporate Team Accelerates Growth Through Life Sciences Deals

VC investment in the life sciences sector is driving record growth for Weightmans’ Newcastle corporate deals team, which has advised on 17 major transactions in the space over the past 12 months.

The firm’s life sciences legal team played a pivotal role in high-profile investments that reflect the sector’s growing appeal to venture capital. Notably, Weightmans advised DSW Venture Capital on a £1.5 million investment into StimOxyGen, a University of Ulster spin-out developing a breakthrough cancer therapy designed to boost efficacy against resistant tumours.

In another key deal, the team acted for Northstar Ventures on a £1.1 million funding round for Nanovery Limited, a Newcastle-based diagnostics company pioneering nanorobotic sensors for DNA testing. Nanovery’s technology enables faster, more accurate medical diagnoses by identifying biomarkers in liquid DNA samples.

Nick Gray, principal associate at Weightmans, commented:

“The life sciences sector is proving remarkably resilient amid broader market uncertainty. While many industries remain cautious due to geopolitical tensions and economic instability, the life sciences ecosystem is thriving thanks to advances in AI, increased M&A activity, and targeted government support.

Visa reforms and a renewed focus on STEM skills are creating fertile ground for growth, giving businesses and investors the confidence to scale up. As a result, life sciences remain one of the most dynamic and investable sectors in the UK economy.”

The rise in healthtech M&A activity and sustained interest from venture capital firms signals a strong pipeline of innovation in biotech, medtech, and diagnostics—areas where Weightmans’ Newcastle office continues to expand its influence as a leading legal advisor.