Bermuda-based insurer Ironshore has launched a dedicated Life Science Practice Unit, to be led by former American International Group executive Linda McLaughlin.

The US-based unit will underwrite general and product liability insurance coverages for biotechnology companies, specialty and generic pharmaceutical companies, medical products and medical device manufactures, as well as industry distributors. Life Science will be a unit of IronHealth, the specialty division of Ironshore dedicated to the healthcare industry.

Ms McLaughlin has held various leadership positions at AIG for nearly 20 years. Most recently, she served as vice-president of Lexington's Products Liability Division with the Healthcare unit.

Her tenure in serving specialty market sectors includes her role working with life science clients within the directors and officers liability division of Lexington, with particular focus on the biotechnology sector.

"Life Science is an incredibly specialised class of business, and Linda has a proven track record in providing unique insight into the insurance needs of this sector," said Shaun Kelly, CEO of Ironshore's US operations. "Bringing Linda and her team on board at this time enables Ironshore to make an immediate impact in being able to provide such specialty coverages to a unique class of business through its nationwide geographic footprint."

Ms McLaughlin will be joined by a team of specialty sector underwriters located in Ironshore offices throughout the US.