Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc., a NASDAQ-listed biotechnology company, has achieved a major legal victory in Germany by securing a preliminary injunction against Merck’s Keytruda SC (subcutaneous) cancer treatment. The injunction blocks the commercial sale and marketing of Keytruda SC in Germany, following Halozyme’s move to protect its patented enzyme technology used in the drug’s formulation.
Halozyme’s technology involves a recombinant human hyaluronidase enzyme that enhances the absorption and dispersion of drugs administered subcutaneously. Halozyme alleges that Merck’s Keytruda SC uses this patented technology without authorization, prompting legal action to defend its intellectual property.
Key Details of the Court Ruling
- The German court found that Merck’s Keytruda SC infringes on Halozyme’s patents.
- The preliminary injunction blocks Merck from selling or advertising Keytruda SC in Germany during ongoing litigation.
- This injunction offers immediate protection to Halozyme, preventing further patent infringement.
Halozyme’s CEO highlighted the injunction as a testament to the strength of their patent claims and expects that the ruling will bolster their position in other countries where Merck markets Keytruda SC.
About Keytruda SC
Keytruda is a widely-used immunotherapy for several cancers, including:
- Lung cancer
- Melanoma
- Head and neck cancers
The subcutaneous version offers a newer, more convenient delivery method than intravenous infusions, allowing for faster administration.
Implications and Industry Impact
Merck has not yet responded publicly to the injunction. However, this legal challenge adds scrutiny to the patents protecting Keytruda SC and could affect its availability within the European market.
Industry analysts view this injunction as a pivotal moment in the biotech sector, emphasizing the importance of patent protection in safeguarding proprietary enzyme technologies and securing market exclusivity.
Halozyme continues to develop and license its enzyme technology to pharmaceutical partners and remains committed to vigorously defending its intellectual property globally to maintain a competitive advantage.
Stay tuned for more updates from Questiqa Europe News.
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