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GSK PLC on Wednesday sued Pfizer Inc over patent infringement, alleging Pfizer’s respiratory syncytial virus vaccine steals key elements of GSK’s version. The case, filed in federal court in the US state of Delaware, pits the producers of the only two approved vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus against each other. In early May, the US approved GSK’s Arexvy as the first vaccine for RSV; that was followed at the end of May with US approval of Pfizer’s Abrysvo. Both vaccines have since been approved by the EU. ‘Upon information and belief, Pfizer knowingly uses GSK’s claimed inventions in Abrysvo without permission,’ said the GSK complaint. The complaint describes Arexvy as ‘the result of more than 15 years of research and development by GSK scientists,’ adding that Pfizer’s program on an RSV vaccine began ‘no earlier than 2013.’ The lawsuit lists four GSK patents granted by US officials between 2013 and 2023 that Pfizer is alleged to have infringed. The suit seeks compensation for lost profits and royalties and a permanent ban on Pfizer selling the product in the US. RSV is a widespread, highly contagious pathogen most known for causing bronchiolitis an irritation and inflammation of the small airways in young children, especially in winter. It also infects adults and can become dangerous in the elderly, who may develop pneumonia. Pfizer did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Shares in GSK closed down 0.3% to 1,367.20 pence each in London on Wednesday, while in New York, Pfizer shares were down 0.7% to $35.38 each on Wednesday afternoon. source: AFP Copyright 2023 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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