Life Sciences & Pharma

Regulatory excellence at the heart of the Mediterranean.

Key Areas of Expertise

The path from initial development to market authorization is highly complex. We navigate life sciences and pharmaceutical enterprises through stringent EU regulatory frameworks and Maltese legislation, bringing your innovations to market safely and efficiently.

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Dr. Hermann Kresse

Founder & CEO

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  • Services
  • Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. Regulatory Strategy & Licensing​
Advisory on obtaining manufacturing authorizations (GMP – Good Manufacturing Practice). Support throughout certification under MDR (Medical Device Regulation) and IVDR (In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation). Specialized legal counsel in the sector of medicinal cannabis (production, research, and export).

2. IP Protection & R&D Structuring

Securing patents and trademark rights for pharmaceutical formulations. Legal structuring of collaborative agreements with research institutions. Leveraging Research & Development incentives (R&D Tax Credits) in Malta.

3. Market Access & Distribution
Drafting EU-wide distribution and licensing agreements (GDP – Good Distribution Practice). Advisory on product liability within an international cross-border context. Assistance with import and export authorizations for non-EU third countries.

1. Why is Malta considered a highly attractive gateway location for the international pharmaceutical industry?
Answer: Malta combines the most rigorous EU standards with premier logistical and fiscal frameworks. As a full EU member state, all approvals, licenses, and certifications issued by the Malta Medicines Authority (MMA)Malta Medicines Authorityare fully valid across the entire European Economic Area (EEA) as well as in numerous third countries covered by Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs).
Pharmaceutical companies benefit from fast-track authorization procedures, a highly skilled workforce, and the opportunity to optimize corporate profits from manufacturing and global export down to an effective tax rate of approximately 5% through established Maltese holding structures (via the proven 6/7 tax refund mechanism on active trading income). 5 % Körperschaftsteuer zu optimieren.

2. What role does the EU-GMP certificate issued by the Malta Medicines Authority play?
Answer: The EU-GMP certificate (Good Manufacturing Practiceof the Malta Medicines Authority that is a hallmark of quality for pharmaceutical manufacturingBatch Releaseand quality control.
The Maltese authority enjoys an outstanding international reputation for its efficiency in inspecting production facilities and handling re-licensing procedures. Companies importing active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) or finished dosage forms into Europe frequently use Malta as a central EU import and testing hub, as batch certification and release by aQualified Person / QPcan be executed with full regulatory certainty for the entire EU Single Market.

3. How are the production and export of medicinal cannabis legally regulated in Malta?
Answer: As early as 2018, Malta established one of the world's most progressive legal frameworks for medical cannabis (Production of Cannabis for Medicinal and Research Purposes Act).

  • Regulation: The cultivation, processing, extraction, and export of medicinal cannabis are subject to the strict oversight of the Malta Medicines Authority as well as Malta.
  • Requirements: Companies must undergo a comprehensive licensing procedure, demonstrate compliance with the most stringent EU-GMP standards, and guarantee the physical security of their facilities.

  • Legal Distinction: The commercial production of medicinal cannabis is strictly separated from the non-profit associations for adult use, which are regulated by the dedicated cannabis authority (ARUC – Authority for the Responsible Use of Cannabis). ARUC reguliert werden.

4. What must medical technology (MedTech) manufacturers consider under the EU Regulations MDR and IVDR?
Answer: The European Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and In Vitro Diagnostic Medical Device Regulation (IVDR) place enormous demands on manufacturers, importers, and distributors. Anyone seeking to place medical devices on the EU market requires a seamless quality management system (ISO 13485) as well as robust, airtight clinical evaluations.

We assist MedTech companies with establishing their legal presence as an official EU Authorised RepresentativeAuthorized Representativewith the drafting ofcontracts with notified bodiesNotified Bodiesand securing distribution agreements within the EU Single Market.

5. How are research and development (R&D) expenditures and pharmaceutical patents fiscally incentivized?
Answer: Life sciences and pharmaceutical companies in Malta can benefit from government incentive programs. Through the economic development agency, Malta Enterprise Malta Enterprise soft loans, investment grants, and tax credits (Tax Credits) are available for research and development.

Additionally, for patented pharmaceuticals and copyrighted biopharmaceutical developments, the Patent Box Regime: Qualified IP income can thereby be taxed at an effective rate of up to 1,75 % .

6. How does the law firm assist pharmaceutical and biotech companies with establishing their operations in Malta?
Answer: Establishing pharmaceutical manufacturing operations or an active substance storage facility is a highly complex, multidisciplinary undertaking. Our comprehensive full-service advisory approach encompasses:

  • Regulatory Licensing Management: Representation before the Malta Medicines Authority and Malta Enterprise to obtain all necessary manufacturing and wholesale distribution authorizations (WDAsWDA – Wholesale Distribution Authorisation).

  • Real Estate and Infrastructure Agreements: Legal representation and counsel in leasing or acquiring specialized industrial real estate through Malta.

  • Corporate & Financial Structuring: Setting up holding and operating companies, preparing banking onboarding for pharmaceutical transactions, and securing formal R&D grant and incentive approvals.

Why Kresse Law for Life Sciences &
Pharma?

Incorporating a company in Malta is merely the initial step for pharmaceutical enterprises. The true challenge lies in maintaining strict GMP and GDP compliance under the scrutiny of the Malta Medicines Authority. At Kresse Law, we understand the critical nature of your operational processes. We structure robust, legally compliant operational entities designed to meet the rigorous demands of EU health and life sciences legislation in 2026. We safeguard your innovative power and commercial success through uncompromised legal precision.

Schedule an appointment with your German partner in Malta now.

We support you in the medical and pharmaceutical sectors with legally sound planning, precise execution, and dedicated personal counsel in Malta.

What Our Clients Say About Us

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Mark Alexander Hofmann
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Sehr kompetente und unkomplizierte Betreuung durch Frau Tabit / Kresse Law bei einer deutsch-maltesischen Erbschaft. Klare Kommunikation und schnelle Hilfe. Absolute Empfehlung!!!
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Elias K
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Herr Dr. Kresse ist ein äußerst kompetenter und zuverlässiger Anwalt. Die Kommunikation ist professionell, schnell und transparent. Man fühlt sich jederzeit gut beraten und ernst genommen. Klare Empfehlung!
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Markus Veutgen
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Wir haben seit Jahren eine vertrauensvolle und offene Kommunikation mit einer schnellen und präzisen Umsetzung.
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Johannes M.
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Ausgesprochen starke Unterstützung in komplexen Rechtsfragen. Die Kanzlei Kresse arbeitet extrem lösungsorientiert und besonders der direkte Draht und die schnellen Reaktionszeiten sparen uns im Gründungsalltag viel Zeit und Nerven. Vielen Dank für die bisherige und weitere Unterstützung. Klare Empfehlung!
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Marbelux
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Hervorragende Beratung in anspruchsvollen Rechtsangelegenheiten! Dr. Kresse hat uns engagiert unterstützt und alle Fragen ausführlich beantwortet. Seine empathische Art und sein Fachwissen verdienen großes Lob. Uneingeschränkt zu empfehlen.
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Alex D
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Schnelle und verlässliche Rechtsauskunft. Die Kanzlei war eine große Hilfe bei der Steueroptimierung des Unternehmens.
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Marat Perlin
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Wir suchten als Unternehmen Rat bei Herrn Dr. Kresse bezüglich eines komplexen Rechtsfalls und fühlten uns ausgezeichnet beraten. Die Herangehensweise war sehr kompetent und menschlich, wir haben uns sehr gut aufgehoben gefühlt. Herr Dr. Kresse beantwortete dabei alle Fragen umfassend und stand uns engagiert zur Seite mit Verständnis für unsere Situation. Die nahe und persönliche Betreuung machte einen spürbaren Unterschied. Definitiv zu empfehlen für alle, die fachkundige Rechtsberatung schätzen.
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