Moderna sues Pfizer-BioNTech over COVID-19 vaccine technology patents

Moderna announced on Friday that it is suing Pfizer and BioNTech over alleged patent infringement for the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Modern says it pioneered the technology that Pfizer has used for the vaccine and is now seeking compensation for it, The Hill newspaper reports. 

"We believe that Pfizer and BioNTech unlawfully copied Moderna's inventions, and they have continued to use them without permission," said Shannon Thyme Klinger, Moderna's chief legal officer.   

Moderna originally pledged to not enforce its patents during the pandemic.

But in March 2022, when the collective fight against COVID-19 entered a new phase and vaccine supply was no longer a barrier to access in many parts of the world, Moderna updated its pledge.

Moderna said that it will enforce its patents around the world except in 92 low and middle-income countries. 

"We have not been served and are unable to comment at this time," Pfizer's media relations department told The Hill.

Moderna is alleging that Pfizer infringed on its mRNA technology since 2010, a decade before the start of the pandemic. 

Moderna is seeking compensation from Pfizer but not looking to end the use of their vaccine. 

"Recognizing the need to ensure continued access to these lifesaving vaccines, Moderna is not seeking to remove [the Pfizer vaccine] from the market and is not asking for an injunction to prevent its future sale," Moderna said.