Moderna agrees $950m settlement of mRNA jab litigation

Moderna has reached a $950 million settlement with Arbutus Biopharma and Roivant's Genevant, resolving claims that its Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine infringed on their lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery technology patents. The technology, developed by Arbutus and Genevant, is crucial for the safe and effective delivery of mRNA therapies. The settlement could increase to $2.25 billion if Moderna cannot transfer a contingent payment to the US government, a matter currently under appeal. As part of the agreement, Moderna gains a non-exclusive license to the disputed LNP technology for mRNA vaccines targeting infectious diseases and will refrain from challenging the validity of certain Genevant/Arbutus patents.

Roivant stated that the full settlement amount would represent the largest disclosed patent settlement in the pharmaceutical industry. The case also serves as a warning to Pfizer and BioNTech, who face similar LNP patent litigation regarding their Comirnaty vaccine. Despite declining sales since the pandemic's peak, Comirnaty currently holds a two-thirds share of the remaining global COVID-19 vaccine market.

Arbutus CEO Lindsay Androski emphasized the significance of her company’s LNP technology in enabling mRNA vaccine development, while Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel stated the settlement allows the company to focus on future developments, including a combined COVID/flu vaccine and its oncology pipeline. Moderna also indicated that ongoing litigation, including suits against Pfizer/BioNTech, involves claims that will not exceed liabilities.

(Source：Pharmaphorum News)