Gold is 2025’s best performer. UBS sees more upside
TÜBINGEN, GERMANY AND BOSTON, MA - CureVac N.V. (NASDAQ:CVAC), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in mRNA technology, has announced a favorable outcome from the European Patent Office (EPO). The EPO has largely dismissed an opposition by BioNTech SE, maintaining CureVac’s patent EP 3 708 668 B1 in an amended form. The dispute, which began with BioNTech’s challenge in April 2023, involves six intellectual property rights centered on mRNA technology. According to InvestingPro data, CureVac maintains a strong financial position with more cash than debt and a healthy current ratio of 2.29, indicating solid short-term liquidity.
The EPO’s decision is a critical juncture in the ongoing legal confrontation between CureVac and BioNTech in Germany. The Regional Court Düsseldorf is set to determine if there has been an infringement of the newly upheld patent, with a hearing scheduled for July 1, 2025. A finding of infringement would lead to subsequent proceedings to ascertain possible damages.
Dr. Alexander Zehnder, CEO of CureVac, expressed confidence that the patent, in its revised state, is infringed upon and views the decision as a validation of CureVac’s early innovations in the field of mRNA technology. The patent in question describes CureVac’s split poly-A tail technology, which is intended to enhance the medical efficacy of mRNA-based treatments by improving protein expression. While the company’s stock has experienced volatility, trading at $2.80, InvestingPro analysis suggests the stock is currently undervalued, with analysts projecting revenue growth of 8.78% for FY2024.
The company, with a history of over two decades in mRNA development, remains committed to being recognized and compensated for its contributions to mRNA technology. CureVac’s portfolio includes prophylactic vaccines, cancer therapies, antibody therapies, and treatments for rare diseases. The company’s collaboration with GSK on second-generation mRNA technology and COVID-19 vaccine candidates underscores its ongoing efforts in the field. Despite current challenges including a negative EBITDA of -$289.6M, analysts are optimistic about the company’s future, with expectations of profitability this year. Get deeper insights into CureVac’s financial health and growth potential with InvestingPro, which offers exclusive access to over 30 additional key metrics and expert analysis.
CureVac’s legal representation includes teams from Bird & Bird LLP and Graf von Stosch Patentanwaltsgesellschaft in Germany, and Marshall, Gerstein & Borun LLP and Spotts Fain, PC in the U.S. This news is based on a press release statement, and further developments are anticipated as the court proceedings continue.
In other recent news, CureVac has made significant strides with a favorable patent ruling in its legal battle against BioNTech. The European Patent Office upheld CureVac’s patent, EP 3 708 668 B1, with amendments, dismissing BioNTech’s opposition and advancing CureVac’s position in the intellectual property dispute. This development is crucial as it may lead to further proceedings to assess potential damages if the amended patent is found to be infringed upon in a future hearing. Meanwhile, CureVac’s shares have also seen an increase amid a rise in seasonal flu cases across the United States, reflecting broader gains in the vaccine sector. The increased flu activity has driven interest in vaccine developers, with Moderna, Novavax, and BioNTech also experiencing stock upticks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported a significant rise in flu activity, highlighting the importance of vaccines and treatments during this period. The market’s response underscores the critical role of vaccine developers like CureVac in addressing public health challenges. Investors are closely monitoring these developments as the flu season progresses.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.