Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Files Patent Infringement Suits against Pfizer and Moderna

Rhea-AI Summary

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: ALNY) has filed a lawsuit against Pfizer and Moderna in the U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware, claiming patent infringement related to biodegradable cationic lipids essential for mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, specifically U.S. Patent No. 11,246,933. Alnylam seeks compensation for its patented technology but does not intend to disrupt vaccine production. This legal action highlights Alnylam's investment in RNAi therapeutics, a sector poised for growth and innovation in medicine.

Positive

• Alnylam seeks damages for patent infringement, potentially leading to substantial financial compensation.
• The lawsuit reinforces Alnylam's position as a leader in RNAi technology, emphasizing the importance of its intellectual property.

Negative

• The outcome of the litigation against Pfizer and Moderna may create uncertainty around future revenues.
• If Alnylam's claims are unsuccessful, it may affect its market credibility and stock performance.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALNY) the leading RNAi therapeutics company, announced today that it has separately filed suit in United States District Court for the District of Delaware against Pfizer, Inc. and Moderna, Inc., seeking damages for infringement of U.S. Patent No. 11,246,933 (the “’933 Patent”) in the parties’ manufacture and sale of their messenger RNA (mRNA) COVID-19 vaccines. The patent relates to Alnylam’s biodegradable cationic lipids that are foundational to the success of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. The complaints can be accessed on Alnylam’s website (Pfizer and Moderna).

Alnylam is seeking fair compensation for use of its technology based on patent claims to a broad class of biodegradable lipids invented over a decade ago resulting from extensive research and investment. The Company is proud that this work has supported rapid development of the life-saving vaccines. Alnylam does not intend to seek an injunction or take action that impedes production, sale or distribution of the vaccines.

About Alnylam Pharmaceuticals

Alnylam (Nasdaq: ALNY) has led the translation of RNA interference (RNAi) into a whole new class of innovative medicines with the potential to transform the lives of people afflicted with rare and prevalent diseases with unmet need. Based on Nobel Prize-winning science, RNAi therapeutics represent a powerful, clinically validated approach yielding transformative medicines. Since its founding 20 years ago, Alnylam has led the RNAi Revolution and continues to deliver on a bold vision to turn scientific possibility into reality. Alnylam’s commercial RNAi therapeutic products are ONPATTRO^® (patisiran), GIVLAARI^® (givosiran), OXLUMO^® (lumasiran) and Leqvio^® (inclisiran) being developed and commercialized by Alnylam’s partner, Novartis. Alnylam has a deep pipeline of investigational medicines, including six product candidates that are in late-stage development. Alnylam is executing on its “Alnylam P⁵x25” strategy to deliver transformative medicines in both rare and common diseases benefiting patients around the world through sustainable innovation and exceptional financial performance, resulting in a leading biotech profile. Alnylam is headquartered in Cambridge, MA. For more information about our people, science and pipeline, please visit www.alnylam.com and engage with us on Twitter at @Alnylam, on LinkedIn, or on Instagram.

Alnylam Forward Looking Statements

Various statements in this release concerning Alnylam’s expectations, plans, aspirations and goals, including, without limitation, Alnylam’s filing in the United States District Court for the District of Delaware of a suit against each of Pfizer, Inc. and Moderna, Inc. seeking damages for patent infringement, Alnylam’s intentions with respect to any further action with respect to such patent, its aspiration to become a leading biotech company and the planned achievement of its “Alnylam P⁵x25” strategy, constitute forward-looking statements for the purposes of the safe harbor provisions under The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results and future plans may differ materially from those indicated by these forward-looking statements as a result of various important risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, without limitation: the direct or indirect impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic or any future pandemic on Alnylam’s business, results of operations and financial condition and the effectiveness or timeliness of Alnylam’s efforts to mitigate the impact of the pandemic; the potential impact of the recent leadership transition on Alnylam’s ability to attract and retain talent and to successfully execute on its “Alnylam P⁵x25” strategy; Alnylam's ability to discover and develop novel drug candidates and delivery approaches and successfully demonstrate the efficacy and safety of its product candidates; the pre-clinical and clinical results for its product candidates; actions or advice of regulatory agencies and Alnylam’s ability to obtain and maintain regulatory approval for its product candidates, as well as favorable pricing and reimbursement; successfully launching, marketing and selling its approved products globally; delays, interruptions or failures in the manufacture and supply of its product candidates or its marketed products; obtaining, maintaining and protecting intellectual property; Alnylam’s ability to successfully expand the indication for OXLUMO and ONPATTRO (and vutrisiran if approved) in the future; Alnylam's ability to manage its growth and operating expenses through disciplined investment in operations and its ability to achieve a self-sustainable financial profile in the future without the need for future equity financing; Alnylam’s ability to maintain strategic business collaborations; Alnylam's dependence on third parties for the development and commercialization of certain products, including Novartis, Regeneron and Vir; the outcome of litigation; the potential impact of a current government investigation and the risk of future government investigations; and unexpected expenditures; as well as those risks more fully discussed in the “Risk Factors” filed with Alnylam's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and in its other SEC filings. In addition, any forward-looking statements represent Alnylam's views only as of today and should not be relied upon as representing its views as of any subsequent date. Alnylam explicitly disclaims any obligation, except to the extent required by law, to update any forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220317005522/en/

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Christine Regan Lindenboom

(Investors and Media)

617-682-4340

Josh Brodsky

(Investors)

617-551-8276

Source: Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

FAQ

What lawsuit has Alnylam Pharmaceuticals filed?

Alnylam has filed a lawsuit against Pfizer and Moderna for patent infringement concerning biodegradable cationic lipids used in mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

What is the patent involved in Alnylam's lawsuit?

The patent in question is U.S. Patent No. 11,246,933, related to Alnylam’s biodegradable cationic lipids.

What does Alnylam seek from Pfizer and Moderna?

Alnylam seeks damages for the alleged infringement of its patent rights.

Will Alnylam's lawsuit affect vaccine production?

Alnylam stated it does not intend to impede the production, sale, or distribution of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines.

How does this lawsuit impact Alnylam's business?

The lawsuit may lead to potential financial compensation but also introduces uncertainty regarding future revenues and market credibility.