CureVac and GSK have resolved their mRNA patent litigation with Pfizer and BioNTech through a $740 million settlement and future royalties on COVID-19 vaccine sales in the U.S.
German biotech firm CureVac announced a settlement with Pfizer and BioNTech concerning a patent dispute over mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccines. Under the agreement, CureVac and its development partner GSK will receive a one-time payment of $740 million. Additionally, they will be entitled to single-digit royalties on future U.S. sales of COVID-19 vaccines developed using the contested mRNA technology.
According to The Economic Times, as part of the settlement, CureVac will provide Pfizer and BioNTech a non-exclusive license to manufacture, import, and commercialize mRNA-based COVID-19 and influenza products in the U.S. The deal concludes a long-running dispute over foundational mRNA intellectual property, a critical area of innovation during the global vaccine race. The settlement reinforces the growing financial and strategic value of mRNA technology, not just in pandemic response but in long-term vaccine development.
For industry stakeholders, the agreement highlights the importance of IP clarity and collaboration in the competitive biologics and vaccine market, particularly as companies expand their mRNA platforms beyond COVID-19.
