BioNTech has reached an agreement with CureVac and GSK to settle ongoing patent disputes and secure a non-exclusive licence covering mRNA-based COVID-19 and influenza products. The settlement, announced on 8 August 2025, closes U.S. and international litigation and provides BioNTech and Pfizer with rights to manufacture, use, and sell mRNA vaccines under CureVac’s intellectual property.
Settlement Terms
The agreement grants BioNTech and Pfizer a non-exclusive licence from CureVac, with global expansion of rights set to follow the completion of BioNTech’s proposed acquisition of CureVac. The litigation in the U.S. has been terminated with prejudice as part of the resolution.
- BioNTech payments: CureVac will receive $370 million, payable upon closing or termination of the CureVac acquisition, plus royalties of 1% on U.S. sales and 1% on rest-of-world sales after the transaction.
- GSK payments: BioNTech will pay GSK $370 million, along with royalties of 1% on U.S. sales from January 2025 and 1% on rest-of-world sales following the acquisition.
- Pfizer’s role: Pfizer will reimburse BioNTech $80 million and share 50% of royalties payable to GSK on mRNA COVID-19 vaccine sales beginning January 2025.
Impact of the Agreement
The settlement resolves long-standing disputes in mRNA vaccine development, enabling BioNTech and its partners to advance mRNA innovation with reduced legal barriers. The agreement also underscores the strategic significance of BioNTech’s planned acquisition of CureVac, which will consolidate intellectual property and broaden access to next-generation vaccine platforms.
Leave a Comment