Moderna settles global patent litigation with Arbutus and Genevant over LNP technology used in Spikevax and mRESVIA, securing royalty-free rights for its future mRNA vaccine pipeline
Written By: Chikkula Pavan Kumar PharmD
Reviewed By: Pharmacally Editorial Team
Moderna, Inc. has reached a global settlement with Arbutus Biopharma Corporation and Genevant Sciences GmbH, resolving long-running patent litigation related to the company’s mRNA vaccines. The agreement ends multiple lawsuits worldwide concerning the lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery technology used in Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine Spikevax® and its RSV vaccine mRESVIA®.
The dispute centered on patented LNP technology originally developed by Arbutus and licensed to Genevant. These lipid nanoparticles are critical components that protect fragile mRNA molecules and deliver them into human cells, enabling the vaccines to work effectively.
Under the agreement, Moderna will make a one-time payment of $950 million, resolving past claims and securing a fully paid-up license to the disputed LNP technology. This license allows Moderna to continue using the delivery system in its infectious disease vaccines without paying future royalties.
The settlement gives Moderna long-term freedom to develop next-generation mRNA vaccines using the same delivery platform. This includes pipeline candidates such as the company’s updated COVID-19 vaccine mNEXSPIKE®, its COVID-flu combination vaccine mCOMBRIAX®, and other infectious disease programs currently in development.
As part of the agreement, Moderna consented to the entry of judgment related to four patents held by Arbutus and Genevant. However, the company will continue its appeal before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, arguing that pandemic-era vaccine supplies were protected under U.S. government contractor immunity law, specifically 28 U.S.C. §1498. This statute can shift patent liability to the U.S. government when products are manufactured for federal use.
If Moderna succeeds in its appeal, no additional payments will be required. If the ruling is upheld, the company could make further payments under the terms of the agreement. Moderna stated it does not currently consider additional losses beyond the initial settlement payment to be probable.
The resolution removes a major legal overhang from Moderna’s business as the company expands beyond COVID-19 vaccines into a broader portfolio of mRNA-based medicines. Several programs are advancing across respiratory diseases, cancer immunotherapy, and rare genetic disorders.
Moderna CEO Stéphane Bancel said resolving the dispute allows the company to focus fully on its scientific pipeline and future innovation. The company continues to defend and enforce its own intellectual property related to mRNA technology, including ongoing litigation against competing vaccine developers.
Lindsay Androski, President and Chief Executive Officer of Arbutus Biopharma said the settlement validates Arbutus’ pioneering role in inventing lipid nanoparticle (LNP) delivery technology that made mRNA medicines possible. She highlighted that the breakthrough work of Arbutus scientists enabled COVID-19 vaccines to reach the world. She also honored the researchers behind the technology whose contributions shaped modern nucleic-acid therapeutics.
James Heyes, Chief Executive Officer of Genevant Sciences said the settlement brings the lengthy dispute to a close and allows the company to focus on advancing its nucleic acid delivery platforms. He noted that the agreement recognizes Genevant’s role in developing LNP technologies used in pandemic vaccines. He added that the team takes pride in contributing to global efforts that helped restore normalcy during COVID-19.
The settlement marks a significant turning point for Moderna as it moves from pandemic-driven vaccine sales toward a diversified pipeline of mRNA therapeutics and combination vaccines aimed at long-term growth.
Reference
Moderna Resolves Global Patent Litigation with Arbutus/Genevant, 04 March 2026, News Release
Genevant Sciences and Arbutus Biopharma Announce $2.25 Billion Global Settlement With Moderna, 03 March 2026, https://investor.arbutusbio.com/news-releases/news-release-details/genevant-sciences-and-arbutus-biopharma-announce-225-billion
Genevant Sciences and Arbutus Biopharma Announce $2.25 Billion Global Settlement with Moderna, 03 March 2026, https://www.genevant.com/genevant-sciences-and-arbutus-biopharma-announce-2-25-billion-global-settlement-with-moderna/
About Writer
Chikkula Pavan Kumar, Pharm.D.
He is a Doctor of Pharmacy with a keen interest in clinical pharmacy, pharmacovigilance, and evidence-based practice. In his words, he is passionate about patient safety and translating complex medical information into clear, research-driven communication.