Enanta Pharmaceuticals Sues Pfizer Over Paxlovid Patent in EU

Enanta Pharmaceuticals has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against Pfizer and its subsidiaries in the European Union, alleging that Pfizer's COVID-19 antiviral drug Paxlovid violates Enanta's European Patent No. EP 4 051 265 related to coronavirus protease inhibitors. The patent, based on a July 2020 application by Enanta scientists, is the European counterpart to a U.S. patent already involved in ongoing litigation between the two companies. A hearing at the Unified Patent Court is expected within the next 12 months, with a decision anticipated shortly thereafter. If infringement is found, further proceedings will determine damages, subject to standard appeal and legal processes in Europe. This legal challenge could impact Pfizer's production and sales of Paxlovid, while Enanta's stock is projected to have significant upside potential, with analysts rating it as an 'Outperform' and forecasting substantial gains. Enanta, a clinical-stage biotech firm specializing in viral and immune disease treatments, continues to leverage its patent portfolio in disputes with Pfizer over COVID-19 therapeutics.