Bayer, through its Monsanto subsidiary, has filed a lawsuit against Pfizer, BioNTech, and Moderna in Delaware federal court, alleging the improper use of Bayer’s messenger RNA (mRNA) technology in the production of their COVID-19 vaccines. The lawsuit was confirmed Tuesday by a Bayer spokesperson.

The legal action centers around claims that the vaccine manufacturers are infringing upon patents held by Monsanto related to mRNA technology. While details of the specific patents involved and the scope of Bayer’s claims remain unclear, the lawsuit represents a significant challenge to the companies behind some of the most widely distributed COVID-19 vaccines globally.

Monsanto, now a subsidiary of Bayer, has a long history of research and development in agricultural biotechnology, including work on mRNA technologies applicable to plant science. It appears Bayer is leveraging this intellectual property portfolio to pursue legal action in the pharmaceutical sector. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and an injunction to prevent further alleged infringement.

Pfizer and BioNTech jointly developed and manufacture the Comirnaty vaccine, while Moderna produces its own mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine, Spikevax. All three companies have been at the forefront of the global effort to combat the pandemic, and the lawsuit could potentially impact vaccine production and distribution. Representatives for Pfizer, BioNTech, and Moderna have not yet issued public statements regarding the lawsuit.

The case is expected to be complex, involving intricate scientific and legal arguments surrounding patent rights and the interpretation of mRNA technology. The outcome could have broader implications for the pharmaceutical industry and the future development of mRNA-based therapies.