Arbutus files patent infringement suits against Pfizer, BioNTech over LNP technology
ABUS•Patent suits filed in Canada and Europe
Arbutus Biopharma filed patent infringement suits against Pfizer and BioNTech in Canada and Europe tied to its lipid nanoparticle technology.
The actions seek damages and injunctions covering Pfizer-BioNTech mRNA-LNP COVID-19 vaccines and other products alleged to infringe Canadian Patent 2,721,333.
The European cases target EP 4 241 767 and EP 4 495 237 in the Unified Patent Court, seeking injunctions and monetary relief across multiple member states.
Related settlement and planned capital return
Arbutus said it received $178 million from Moderna under a March 2026 settlement over LNP patent litigation, including reimbursement of litigation costs.
The company also plans to return up to about $230 million via share repurchases starting in Q3 2026, contingent on an expected Genevant-related dividend.
