Dutch court blocks Merck’s subcutaneous Keytruda in eight European countries
A Dutch court ruled that Merck infringed Halozyme Therapeutics’ patent on a rapid drug‑delivery technology and ordered Merck to stop manufacturing and selling the subcutaneous Keytruda formulation in eight European markets. The injunction covers Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland and the Netherlands. Merck’s intravenous Keytruda remains unaffected.
Why it matters
The halt of subcutaneous Keytruda sales removes a growing revenue stream that generated $463 million in Q2, limiting Merck’s ability to shift patients to the patented formulation and potentially weakening its long‑term franchise strategy. Halozyme benefits from the upheld patent, which could enhance its licensing position.
Key facts
- 1A Dutch court ordered Merck to stop producing, importing, stocking or selling subcutaneous Keytruda in Belgium, Denmark, France, Ireland, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland and the Netherlands. biospace.com
- 2The court found Merck’s subcutaneous Keytruda infringed Halozyme’s modified hyaluronidase (MDASE) technology patent. biospace.com
- 3Merck’s intravenous Keytruda product continues to generate $7.9 billion of the $8.4 billion Keytruda franchise revenue in Q2. biospace.com
- 4Subcutaneous Keytruda sales totaled $463 million in Q2. biospace.com
Summary written by AlphAI from 5 of 5 sources. Not investment advice. Figures are as stated by the linked sources.