Moderna settles LNP patent dispute with Genevant, Arbutus for $2.25B

Moderna, Roivant Sciences===Genevant Sciences, and Arbutus Biopharma Corporation have reached a $2.25 billion global settlement to resolve all U.S. and international patent infringement actions. The dispute centered on Moderna's unauthorized use of Roivant Sciences===Genevant Sciences' and Arbutus Biopharma Corporation's LNP delivery technology in its COVID-19 vaccines, including Spikevax. The settlement includes an upfront payment of $950 million from Moderna to Roivant Sciences===Genevant Sciences and Arbutus Biopharma Corporation in July 2026, with an additional $1.3 billion contingent on a favorable appellate ruling regarding 28 U.S.C. § 1498. As part of the agreement, Roivant Sciences===Genevant Sciences will grant Moderna a global non-exclusive license to its LNP delivery technology for infectious disease applications. This settlement is poised to be the largest disclosed patent settlement in the pharmaceutical industry if the contingent payment is realized. Arbutus Biopharma Corporation is evaluating a return of capital to shareholders, and Roivant Sciences, Roivant Sciences===Genevant Sciences' parent company, has approved a $1 billion share repurchase program. Litigation between Arbutus Biopharma Corporation/Pfizer/BioNTech regarding LNP technology is ongoing.