Halozyme Therapeutics Inc (HALO)

[maumar]

I don't think Merck was heedless of the risks of infringing on Enhanze but perhaps they just did not expect Mdase. If that is the case, Helen and Snyder were very clever and outmaneuvered Merck. On the other hand, I doubt this is a slam dunk and I agree with Howeeme that we cannot expect much more than a 1%, perhaps 2%, royalty.

"To develop the new product, Merck licensed a hyaluronidase variant from Alteogen. Called ALT-B4, the variant was independently developed by Alteogen scientists, and its sequence is not disclosed in any Halozyme patent, the Merck spokesperson noted.

Halozyme’s claim stems from its Mdase group of modified human hyaluronidases, which the company publicized in October. Halozyme came up with its Mdase tech to sign more partners who may not be able to tap into the company’s well-established Enhanze subcutaneous drug delivery platform thanks to existing exclusive licensing pacts.
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According to Snyder, Merck has filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office seeking an administrative review of seven Mdase patents. The agency will likely decide whether to take up the case by June. Halozyme believes that the case won’t move forward because the patents are “not subject to challenge in the way that Merck” has presented its case, Snyder said at the TD Cowen event.

For now, Halozyme’s hope is that the two sides can shake hands on a licensing pact. Referencing past deals on Enhanze, Torley said a potential Mdase deal would take a milestones-royalties structure, with royalty rates in a range of 3% to 7%, which Torley said is “a very reasonable starting place.”"

https://www.fiercepharma.com/pharma/patent-clash-over-injectable-keytruda-merck-and-halozyme-dig-fight