Operating internationally, it was advised that it could not claim R&D tax relief in the UK due to the complexity of its organisational structure and the way the company was set up operationally.
The company had invested millions in research and development, collaborating globally to discover and develop a possible drug capable of curing the orphan disease, followed by undertaking clinical research, which included identify patients, organise trials and recruiting world leading scientists. The group’s complex structure, spanning multiple jurisdictions, had led to the assumption that UK R&D tax relief was not available.
As part of our existing work on the company’s tax compliance, the firms Head of Tax approached Forvis Mazars for a second opinion. Our specialist Pharma & Life Sciences R&D team conducted a thorough review, which concluded a UK R&D claim was available and ultimately resulted in the team securing tax savings of more than £30 million to date - funding that is crucial for ongoing drug development.
Our team took a meticulous, forensic approach, conducting a line-by-line review of £200 million in costs. By leveraging deep industry knowledge and tax expertise, we identified eligibility for relief, ensuring the company could claim the maximum benefit available.
Following regulatory approval resulting in the company moving into its commercial phase, our team highlighted a further opportunity for the company to claim Patent Box tax relief. Our detailed assessment resulted in multiple Patent Box claims, generating further tax savings of more than £5m.
The pharma and life sciences industry faces significant volatility, requiring advisors who truly understand its complexities. Our team applied deep sector expertise, collaborated with key stakeholders and built a tailored strategy to secure the maximum R&D tax relief. The result was a multimillion-pound saving that allows them to reinvest in critical drug development and discovery.
Christopher Ridley Partner - Tax & Head of Innovation Incentives
This strategic approach culminated in a successful R&D and Patent Box claims being made, securing total cash benefits of over £35m that directly supports the company’s mission to bring life-changing treatments to market.
Trust, expertise and a commitment to excellence underpin our relationship. By providing clarity in a complex landscape, we gave the leadership team confidence in their tax position, allowing them to focus on what truly matters: advancing medical innovation.
As the company continues to grow and evolve, we remain the valued advisor to the business, ensuring they maximise every opportunity to reinvest in research, drive innovation and deliver groundbreaking treatments to patients worldwide.
This case highlights the importance of specialist industry expertise. Our deep understanding of the pharmaceutical sector allowed us to unlock significant tax savings that others had overlooked. We don’t just apply a standard set of services, we tailor our approach to the unique challenges of our clients, giving them confidence in their financial strategy and the ability to focus on their core mission.
Nigel Layton Partner - Head of Pharma & Life Sciences
A global approach that maximises tax benefits
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