In an amended complaint filed Thursday in Delaware federal court, GSK’s legal team announced that the company is seeking royalties on Moderna’s next-generation COVID vaccine, mNexspike. This development follows GSK’s initial patent infringement claims against Moderna’s first COVID vaccine, Spikevax, and its mRNA-based respiratory syncytial virus shot, mResvia, which were filed last October. The expansion of this litigation underscores GSK’s aggressive stance in protecting its intellectual property rights within the rapidly evolving mRNA therapeutics landscape.
This legal maneuver not only highlights the competitive tensions between major players in the vaccine market but also raises questions about the future of mRNA technology and its commercialization. As companies race to innovate and secure market share, the implications of patent disputes could significantly impact research collaborations and the availability of next-generation vaccines. Stakeholders in the pharma B2B sector, particularly those involved in regulatory affairs and sourcing, should closely monitor these developments as they may influence strategic decisions and partnerships in the industry.