Ongoing Biotech Patent Battles in 2024

Ongoing Biotech Patent Battles in 2024

·

September 4, 2024

·

2 min read

The biotech industry in 2024 has seen several high-profile patent disputes that have shaped the landscape of innovation and legal precedent. These cases have centered around cutting-edge technologies such as CRISPR gene editing, mRNA vaccines, AI-driven drug discovery, and personalized medicine.

1. CRISPR Patent Wars: Broad Institute vs. University of California

The CRISPR patent battle has been one of the most contentious disputes in the biotech industry. In 2024, the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard continued its legal struggle against the University of California (UC) over the foundational patents for CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology. The Broad Institute had previously won key rulings, but UC argued that it held the original invention rights based on earlier filings. This ongoing litigation has significant implications for the control of CRISPR technology, which is critical in developing new gene therapies and agricultural products .

2. Moderna vs. Pfizer/BioNTech: The mRNA Vaccine Showdown

Another major battle unfolded between Moderna and Pfizer/BioNTech over mRNA vaccine technology, specifically concerning COVID-19 vaccines. Moderna claimed that Pfizer and BioNTech infringed on its patents related to the use of modified nucleotides in mRNA vaccines. This dispute intensified in 2024, with both companies expanding their portfolios and defending their stakes in the lucrative mRNA technology market. The outcome of this battle could redefine patent rights in the field of mRNA technology, impacting future vaccine development .

3. AI in Drug Discovery: The Emerging Patent Frontier

As AI-driven drug discovery gains momentum, patent disputes in this area have become increasingly common. In 2024, several biotech firms are involved in legal battles over the ownership of AI algorithms and models used to identify new drug candidates. Companies like Exscientia and Recursion Pharmaceuticals are at the forefront, navigating the complexities of intellectual property rights in a field where AI-generated inventions are becoming more prevalent. These disputes are setting the stage for how AI innovations will be protected and commercialized in the future.