INSIGHT

R&D tax strategy for Life Sciences companies

Sean O’Sullivan, Sarah Weaver, Michael VanderKlugt, Andre Shevchuck • May 14, 2025

Services: R&D Tax Credit Industries: Life Science

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Life Sciences companies today are caught in a perfect storm – racing to innovate while struggling with skyrocketing R&D costs, increasingly complex scientific challenges, and regulators watching their every move. 

For organizations developing new pharmaceuticals, medical devices, or healthcare technologies, R&D tax credits represent a valuable but often underutilized financial resource. 

Understanding the R&D tax credit opportunity 

If your Life Sciences company has invested in developing or improving products, formulations, devices, or advancing medical and pharmaceutical technology, you may be eligible for these R&D tax credit benefits. Federal and state R&D tax credits can provide significant reductions to your tax liability. 

What makes these credits particularly valuable is their flexibility. Even if your company is not currently profitable or paying cash income taxes, you can still benefit in the following ways: 

• Start-ups can apply R&D credits against payroll taxes up to $500,000 
• Credits can be carried back to earlier tax years or carried forward to future tax years 
• Many states will refund you the value of your credit directly 
• Some jurisdictions allow you to sell or transfer credits for cash 

Who qualifies for Life Sciences R&D tax credits? 

The R&D tax credit is broadly available to companies investing in innovation. Your Life Sciences organization may qualify if you employ or contract any of the following professionals to develop or improve your products, processes, or technologies: 

• Analytical and Formulations Scientists 
• Clinical Trial Managers and Support Specialists 
• QA/QC Specialists 
• Process/Manufacturing Chemists 
• Lab Technicians and Research Associates 
• Pharmaceutical Development Associates 
• Drug Safety and Discovery Specialists 
• Research Informatics Specialists 
• Regulatory Operations Associates 

The key eligibility factor is not the job title but rather the nature of the work being performed. Activities must involve technical uncertainty that requires a process of experimentation to resolve. 

Qualifying activities in the Life Sciences sector 

Provided below are some common examples of activities performed by Life Sciences companies that qualify for the R&D credit: 

• Designing and formulating new drugs and therapeutics 
• Developing new or improved medical devices 
• Creating innovative drug delivery mechanisms 
• Establishing new testing methods and analytical procedures
• Conducting clinical trials and tissue testing 
• Performing safety studies and pharmacovigilance 
• Investigating new indications for existing drugs 
• Improving manufacturing processes 
• Ensuring adherence to FDA and industry standards 
• Implementing automation using AI, data technology, or robotics 

It is important to note that your research efforts do not have to succeed to qualify for the credit. Measurable and functional improvements to existing products or processes can be eligible as well — you do not need to be revolutionizing the entire industry to benefit. 

The Orphan Drug Credit: A specialized opportunity 

For companies working on treatments for rare diseases, the Orphan Drug Credit offers a tax benefit equal to 25% of qualified clinical testing expenses. This credit applies to testing performed on drugs that were granted orphan drug designation, before FDA approval. 

Qualified expenses for the Orphan Drug Credit include: 

• Wages for researchers and clinical staff 
• Supplies used during clinical trials 
• Payments to contract research organizations
• Fees to contracted individuals supporting the clinical testing process 

This specialized credit can significantly enhance the financial benefits of developing treatments for conditions that affect small populations, helping to make previously unprofitable research activities more economically viable. 

Doing R&D internationally – further credits could apply 

Many companies will conduct some of their R&D activities overseas, and whilst these activities will not qualify for US R&D credits, other international jurisdictions have some very favorable credits, with the UK leading the way in Europe.  

In the UK, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) encourages innovation through R&D credits, supporting and rewarding companies who look to make scientific and technological advancements in their field. 

Once the activity has passed the qualifying activity test, HMRC permits costs relating to staff wages, materials, equipment, and, in certain circumstances, and subcontractors or subsidized costs, to be included when calculating the relevant tax credit to be repaid to the company as a cash receipt, or as a deduction in the Company’s taxable profits in the year. 

Although the UK process has undergone some recent changes to tighten some controls and processes regarding the submission of claims, along with changes in the restriction of overseas costs for periods on or after 1 April 2024, this process can still provide valuable relief for eligible companies. 

Similar to the US incentive, success in the trials, testing, and development does not have to occur to obtain the benefits. As the UK incentive is similarly focused on highlighting attempts at resolving a scientific uncertainty, Life Sciences companies should consider the potential benefits of these R&D credit benefits. 

Developing a comprehensive R&D tax strategy 

To maximize your company’s tax benefits, consider these strategic approaches: 

1. Prepare contemporaneous documentation: Establish systems that record and track R&D activities performed, personnel time attributable to technical activities, and R&D expenditures as they occur rather than reconstructing information later.  

2. Involve cross-functional teams: Collaborate across finance, tax, R&D, and operations to identify all qualifying activities and expenses.  

3. Review vendor contracts: Analyze agreements with CROs, CMOs, and other partners to properly identify and allocate qualified research expenses.  

4. Consider international incentives: If you conduct research globally, explore the generous R&D incentives available in other countries.  

5. Align with your business strategy: Integrate tax planning with your overall business objectives to maximize both innovation and financial benefits. 

Common misconceptions about R&D tax credits 

Many Life Sciences companies miss out on valuable credits due to misunderstandings about eligibility: 

• “We’re not profitable yet”: Pre-revenue companies can apply R&D credits against payroll taxes.
• “Our work isn’t innovative enough”: Even improvements made to existing products or processes can qualify. 
• “We outsource our clinical trials”: Contracted research performed in the U.S. can still qualify. 
• “The credit isn’t worth the effort”: For many Life Sciences companies, R&D credits represent one of their largest tax benefits. 

Taking the next step with BPM 

Navigating the complexities of R&D tax credits requires specialized experience. At BPM, our dedicated Life Sciences team combines industry knowledge with tax guidance to help you identify, document, and claim the full value of your research investments. 

We understand the unique challenges facing Life Sciences companies and can help you develop a tailored strategy that aligns with your business objectives while maximizing your return on investment. 

Ready to explore how R&D tax credits can benefit your Life Sciences company? Contact BPM today to discuss your potential tax credit opportunity. Our team is ready to help you transform your R&D investments into valuable financial benefits that can fuel your next breakthrough.