Biotech Giants Pfizer and BioNTech Facing Legal Battle over Messenger RNA Patents from GlaxoSmithKline in COVID-19 Vaccine Dispute

Pfizer and BioNTech are facing a new legal battle as GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) has filed a lawsuit against them in Delaware federal court. GSK is accusing the two companies of infringing on its patents related to messenger RNA (mRNA) technology used in their COVID-19 vaccines, Comirnaty and Spikevax, respectively.

GSK claims that its foundational technology was used in Pfizer and BioNTech’s mRNA vaccines, which were developed over a decade before the COVID-19 pandemic. The company is seeking monetary damages from both companies, including an ongoing patent-licensing fee. The lawsuit alleges that GSK’s patents cover the technology for transporting mRNA into human cells, which was developed in 2008 and acquired by GSK when it bought part of Novartis’ vaccines business in 2015.

Pfizer has denied GSK’s claims regarding its RSV vaccine Abrysvo and BioNTech has not commented on the lawsuit at this time. However, Pfizer is confident in its intellectual property position and intends to vigorously defend against GSK’s claims. Moderna also made $6.7 billion from its Spikevax vaccine last year, further increasing the stakes of these patent disputes.

This latest lawsuit is just one of several high-stakes court cases involving patent royalties for vaccine technology involving Pfizer, BioNTech and Moderna. These cases are likely to have significant financial implications for all parties involved, as well as for patients who rely on these vaccines for protection against COVID-19.

In conclusion, GSK’s lawsuit against Pfizer and BioNTech highlights the complexities surrounding patent ownership and licensing fees in the pharmaceutical industry. As these cases continue to unfold, it will be important to monitor their impact on patient access to life-saving vaccines and other medical treatments.