Did S.Korea’s SK bioscience Triumph in Patent Battle Against Pfizer?
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Synopsis
SK bioscience has emerged victorious in a patent dispute with Pfizer over pneumococcal vaccine components, paving the way for future exports and collaborations in vaccine development. This ruling not only secures a competitive edge for South Korea's biotech sector but also enhances global vaccine supply. Learn more about this crucial development in the pharmaceutical landscape.
Key Takeaways
- SK bioscience wins a critical patent dispute against Pfizer.
- The ruling allows for the potential export of vaccine components.
- This enhances vaccine accessibility in Southeast Asia and Latin America.
- SK bioscience continues to innovate with new vaccine developments.
- Legal victories strengthen South Korea's biotech industry.
Seoul, May 21 (NationPress) SK bioscience, the biotechnology segment of South Korea's SK Group, announced on Wednesday that it has triumphed in a patent litigation against the renowned pharmaceutical corporation Pfizer concerning components of a pneumococcal vaccine.
In 2020, Pfizer initiated a lawsuit in a Korean court, alleging that the export of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) components and finalized products for research purposes to Russia by SK bioscience violated the composition patent of its vaccine, Prevnar 13, as reported by the Yonhap news agency.
Recently, South Korea’s Supreme Court confirmed a lower court’s decision that SK bioscience’s PCV13 components are outside the ambit of Pfizer’s patent claims.
The court further concluded that the manufacturing and export of PCV13 products for research do not amount to patent infringement.
In 2016, SK bioscience developed SKYPneumo, South Korea’s inaugural domestically produced PCV13.
However, due to an ongoing patent dispute with Pfizer, the company is currently barred from producing and marketing the vaccine within South Korea until 2027, when the associated patents are projected to expire.
The recent ruling is anticipated to facilitate the export of individual PCV13 components to nations with significant vaccine demand, especially in Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Simultaneously, SK bioscience is collaborating with Sanofi S.A. to develop a 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, which is slated to begin global Phase 3 clinical trials in late 2024.
“This recent court ruling is significant as it ensures that a competitively developed vaccine in Korea can be utilized rather than wasted, providing a fresh opportunity,” stated SK bioscience Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ahn Jae-yong.
“We intend to harness this momentum to enhance accessibility to premium vaccines, contribute to a reliable global vaccine supply, and attain sustainable growth,” Jae-yong added.
In April, SK bioscience also achieved a victory in a patent invalidation case against Moderna, the developer of the messenger-RNA (mRNA) Covid-19 vaccine, according to Yonhap.
SK bioscience filed a nullity suit in 2023 contesting Moderna’s patent on modified nucleosides, nucleotides, and nucleic acids, as well as their applications.
Moderna’s patent stands as the only registered patent in South Korea concerning mRNA manufacturing technology.
SK bioscience contended that the patent “unjustly granted priority rights, which obstructed the advancement of mRNA technology.”
Point of View
SK bioscience has successfully navigated a complex patent dispute against Pfizer, showcasing the potential of South Korea's biotech sector. The ruling not only protects domestic innovation but also enhances opportunities for international collaboration and vaccine distribution amidst growing global health demands.
NationPress
01/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the patent dispute about?
The dispute revolved around SK bioscience's export of 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine components, which Pfizer claimed infringed on its Prevnar 13 patent.
What did the South Korean Supreme Court rule?
The Supreme Court upheld a lower court's decision that SK bioscience's PCV13 components do not infringe on Pfizer's patents.
What is the significance of this ruling?
This ruling allows SK bioscience to export PCV13 components, enhancing access to vaccines in regions with high demand and fostering local innovation.
What is SKYPneumo?
SKYPneumo is South Korea's first domestically produced 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine developed by SK bioscience in 2016.
Is SK bioscience involved in other vaccine developments?
Yes, SK bioscience is currently collaborating with Sanofi S.A. on a 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, which is set to enter Phase 3 clinical trials.
