Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc. has achieved a major legal victory against Merck in Germany, where a court granted a preliminary injunction to halt the sales of Merck’s Keytruda SC (subcutaneous) cancer treatment. This marks a key development in the ongoing patent dispute between the two companies.
Halozyme, listed on NASDAQ under the ticker HALO, filed the court request earlier this year, claiming that Merck’s Keytruda SC infringed on patents related to drug delivery technology owned by Halozyme. The German court sided with Halozyme, temporarily stopping the distribution and marketing of Keytruda SC within Germany.
Keytruda SC represents an advancement in cancer immunotherapy, offering patients a more convenient subcutaneous injection alternative to the traditional intravenous version. Despite these benefits, the injunction poses a significant challenge to Merck’s sales approach, particularly in Germany, a vital market for the company.
Core to this dispute is Halozyme’s patented technology that uses an enzyme to enhance drug absorption under the skin. Merck’s incorporation of this technology into Keytruda SC led to the patent infringement claim. Although the injunction halts sales temporarily, the full legal case is ongoing.
Industry observers suggest that this ruling could influence similar agreements involving Merck in other European countries, depending on the outcomes in different jurisdictions. The injunction remains effective until further court rulings or settlements are reached.
Both companies continue to focus on advancing cancer treatment options, but Halozyme’s court success strengthens its role in protecting its innovations. Merck has not commented yet but is expected to appeal the decision to maintain patient access to Keytruda SC.
This case highlights the critical role of patent protections in the pharmaceutical industry, where technological innovations drive competitive edges and affect patient availability to new therapies.
Stay tuned for more updates from Questiqa Europe News.
About The Author
More Stories
Netanyahu Rejects Two-State Solution, Signals Shift in Gaza Ceasefire Talks
Nigeria Calls on France for Stronger Support to Tackle Northern Violence, Says Macron
Ceat Tyres Plans Major Expansion in Europe and US with New Region-Specific Models