Pfizer rejects Moderna claim it copied Covid vaccine, accuses rival of rewriting history
CNBCMAR 26 2023
German Court: Pfizer-BioNTech Violated Moderna's COVID Patent
Above: In this photo illustration, a vial of Moderna vaccine (COVID-19 mRNA, nucleoside modified) is next to a vial of Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus treatment. Image copyright: Marcos del Mazo/Contributor/LightRocket via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This ruling is correct because Moderna developed and patented foundational mRNA technology for over half a decade — including chemical modifications and spike protein encoding, which Pfizer/BioNTech knowingly used in Comirnaty without permission. Moderna's decade-long innovation, proven in trials, enabled rapid vaccine development and deserves to be protected by intellectual property law.
Narrative B
This ruling is wrong due to not only Moderna's public offer to share its patents but also because the mRNA technology in Pfizer/BioNTech’s vaccine builds on decades of collective research, not just Moderna's. The mRNA modification originated from University of Pennsylvania scientists and full-length spike protein use was known since 2009. Moderna has overstated its unique contribution.
Establishment-critical narrative
Neither Pfizer nor Moderna should be celebrating legal wins, as both companies have been exposed for their deceptive vaccine development practices, including by a Florida grand jury. Investigators have found a pattern of obfuscation, hiding adverse events like those in pregnant women, and exploitation of a flawed safety system. Both companies have reaped the benefits of Big Pharma's sway over the US regulators.