Sanofi initiated new patent infringement lawsuits against Pfizer and its partner BioNTech, as well as Moderna. The lawsuits concern technology used in their blockbuster COVID-19 vaccines.
Sanofi filed the complaints in a U.S. District Court in New Jersey. The lawsuits allege the lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery system for mRNA in the Comirnaty vaccine infringes Sanofi's patents. Sanofi acquired these patents through its 2021 purchase of Translate Bio. The Translate Bio acquisition cost $3.2 billion.
This legal action marks a new front in ongoing patent disputes over mRNA vaccine technology among pharmaceutical companies. Sanofi seeks a jury trial and monetary damages for the alleged infringement. The case adds to multiple legal battles Pfizer and BioNTech face from other biotechnology firms regarding their highly successful COVID-19 vaccine.