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Arnold & Porter has hired a former legal adviser to the European Medicines Agency (EMA) as a partner in the firm's life sciences and healthcare regulatory practice.

New partner Alexander Roussanov also had spells at Hogan Lovells across a 10-year period, first as an associate then as a counsel in the life sciences practice.

Based in the firm's Brussels office, Roussanov will focus on a range of issues related to medical products and devices, including product classification, clinical trials and marketing approvals, according to a firm statement.

As a legal adviser for four years to the EMA – which has overall responsibility across the EU for evaluating and supervising medicines in the common market – Roussanov worked on the rules on advanced therapy medical products, marketing authorisation procedures, referral procedures and good-practice inspections.

He has also represented the EMA in litigations in the EU's Court of Justice.

Ian Dodds-Smith, co-head of Arnold & Porter's European food, drug and medical device practice, said in a statement: "Alexander is a well-regarded lawyer in the field of life sciences. His background and first-hand experience in dealing with sensitive and complex regulatory matters at the EMA, coupled with his experience in private practice, will enhance our offering in this important regulatory field."

He added: "He is well-positioned to help clients navigate business challenges in a rapidly changing and uncertain global regulatory environment in Europe."

Last year, Arnold & Porter lost a four-lawyer patent litigation team to Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer in London, led by partner Christopher Stothers.