Five Decades of Innovation: Stradling's Role in Orange County's Life Sciences Industry

Planting the Seeds of Discovery

By the early 1980s, Orange County had a thriving life sciences sector, anchored by established device companies and growing venture investment. Stradling entered through the networks of Nick Yocca, Craig Carlson, and KC Schaaf, connecting with entrepreneurs spinning out of larger firms to launch new ventures. Backed by venture capital, these innovators advanced groundbreaking technologies, and Stradling became their trusted legal partner—advising early pioneers like Advanced Surgical Intervention and Masimo.

Contributing to the Life Science Ecosystem

Stradling guided the entrepreneurs behind Advanced Surgical Intervention, MicroVention, and Sequent Medical as they built companies that reshaped the market. At the same time, Computer Motion’s merger with Intuitive Surgical established robotic surgery as a global standard, while seed-funded ventures like Endologix fueled further growth. These successes attracted investors, inspired startups, and drew top talent, and by the 1990s Stradling was advising dozens of life sciences companies from venture rounds to IPOs—cementing its place at the center of Orange County’s MedTech ecosystem.

The Next Wave

The late 1990s and early 2000s brought a wave of breakthrough transactions. Stradling advised Micro Therapeutics through its IPO and eventual sale, represented IntraLase in its IPO and later acquisition by Advanced Medical Optics, guided LensX in its sale to Alcon, and Cardiac Science in its sale to Quinton Cardiology. Partnerships with visionary investors further extended Stradling’s reach in ophthalmology, enabling the firm to counsel companies like WaveTec Vision and TrueVision. University collaborations also played a key role. Beginning with Cortex Pharmaceuticals in the late 1980s, Stradling helped translate UC Irvine discoveries into commercial therapies, laying the groundwork for decades of innovation. At the same time, the practice broadened into pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, and biotechnology. Spectrum Pharmaceuticals, Allergan, and Watson Pharmaceuticals showcased the firm’s ability to support companies across the full spectrum of life sciences. 

Expanding Reach, Deepening Expertise

Though rooted in Orange County, Stradling’s influence quickly expanded across California and beyond. The firm advised ventures in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and the Bay Area, while strong ties with firms like Versant Ventures and Flying L Partners fueled a steady pipeline of opportunities. IPOs such as Tandem Diabetes, TranS1, Biocept, Cortex, and Madrigal Pharmaceuticals showcased Stradling’s strength in public markets, while international work included advising Santen Pharmaceuticals and MicroVention in their acquisitions by Terumo and handling global licensing deals for clients such as Allergan, Ligand Pharmaceuticals, and OmniAB.

The Next Generation of Innovation

Today, Stradling counsels purpose-driven companies tackling urgent medical challenges. Renata Medical is developing vascular stents for children with congenital heart defects, while Okami Medical and Tear Solutions advance cardiovascular and eye treatments, respectively. TechImmune is pioneering therapies for long COVID. Alongside these ventures, Stradling continues to work with leaders such as Edwards Lifesciences, Sight Sciences, VolitionRx, and OmniAb, reflecting the firm’s ability to evolve with every wave of life sciences innovation.

Lasting Impact
Over five decades, Stradling has represented more than 100 life sciences companies, driving growth from early funding to billiondollar exits. Along the way, the firm has helped fuel Orange County’s transformation into one of the world’s leading MedTech clusters. Each success has advanced patient care, nurtured entrepreneurship, and reinforced Stradling’s reputation as a trusted partner in shaping industries that improve health and save lives.