Last updated: February 20, 2026
What Does EP4243831 Cover?
European Patent EP4243831 (filed by Moderna) relates to mRNA-based vaccines, specifically focusing on modified mRNA sequences optimized for improved stability and translation efficiency.
Patent Scope Overview
- Technical field: Biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, mRNA vaccine technology.
- Key innovation: Use of modified nucleosides, such as N1-methylpseudouridine, in the mRNA structure to enhance stability and reduce immunogenicity.
- Application: Designed for vaccines or therapeutic agents, especially against infectious diseases like COVID-19.
Effective Claims Breakdown
Claims focus on:
- Modified mRNA sequences encoding specific proteins, notably the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
- Nucleoside modifications, primarily N1-methylpseudouridine or similar variants, which increase translational efficiency.
- Optimization features that reduce innate immune activation without compromising antigen expression.
- Vectors and delivery systems, including lipid nanoparticles, for effective in vivo delivery.
Sample claims:
- Claim 1: An mRNA molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a coronavirus spike protein, where at least 70% of the uridine nucleosides are replaced with N1-methylpseudouridine.
- Claim 2: The mRNA of claim 1, wherein the nucleotide sequence includes a 5’ cap structure and a 3’ poly(A) tail.
- Claim 3: A lipid nanoparticle encapsulating the mRNA of claim 1, configured for delivery to mammalian cells.
- Claim 4: A pharmaceutical composition comprising the lipid nanoparticle of claim 3 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
Claims scope:
- Broad coverage on variants of the nucleoside modifications.
- Specificity in encoding sequences and delivery systems.
- Some dependent claims add structural features (e.g., cap and poly(A) tail), facilitating patent protection across various embodiments.
Key Patent Claims and Their Implications
| Claim Type |
Description |
Implication |
| Composition claims |
Modified mRNA with specific nucleoside substitutions |
Protects core vaccine technology |
| Delivery system |
Lipid nanoparticles encapsulating the mRNA |
Covers delivery aspects, critical for vaccine efficacy |
| Method claims |
Methods of manufacturing or administering the mRNA vaccine |
Extends rights beyond composition to process techniques |
Patent Landscape Context
Major Patent Stakeholders
- Moderna: Main assignee, with multiple patents on mRNA modifications and delivery platforms.
- BioNTech/Pfizer: Active in similar space, with patents on modified nucleosides and lipid nanoparticle formulations.
- CureVac: Focuses on unmodified mRNA, but actively developing new claims related to delivery and stabilization.
- Ac fizer: Holds patents related to lipid nanoparticle formulation, often cited in conjunction with Moderna.
Frequently Cited Patents and Patent Families
- US-Grants: US10721036B2 (Moderna) on modified mRNA nucleosides and delivery.
- EPO patent families on nucleoside modifications and lipid nanoparticle stabilization.
- PCT applications that overlap in scope, targeting the same sequence modifications and delivery systems.
Patent Filing Timeline
- Priority date: 14 February 2022.
- PCT application publication: 10 August 2022.
- EPO application publication: 21 February 2023.
- Patent granted: Expected within 3-4 years of filing, subject to examination delays.
Competition and Patent Risk Landscape
- Overlap with other mRNA vaccine patents, especially on N1-methylpseudouridine.
- Potential freedom-to-operate (FTO) issues with bioengineering modifications.
- Ongoing patent filings aim to extend claim scope, especially on delivery technologies and specific sequences.
Strategic Patent Considerations
- Monitoring claims on nucleotide sequence variations to anticipate breakthroughs.
- Evaluating the scope of lipid nanoparticle claims for competition.
- Identifying potential licensing opportunities if patent breadth constrains innovation.
Key Takeaways
- EP4243831 protects modified mRNA molecules with specific nucleoside substitutions, especially N1-methylpseudouridine.
- Claims extend to encapsulation in lipid nanoparticles and vaccine compositions.
- The patent landscape is highly competitive, with key players filing overlapping patents around sequence modifications, delivery, and manufacturing methods.
- Moderna’s patent family on this application could heavily influence the future development and commercialization of mRNA vaccines within Europe.
FAQs
1. How broad are the claims of EP4243831?
They cover specific nucleoside modifications in mRNA sequences, associated delivery systems, and pharmaceutical formulations, providing significant protection for Moderna’s core vaccine technology.
2. Does this patent prevent other companies from using N1-methylpseudouridine?
Not entirely; other patents and patent applications may cover different methods or sequences. Patent overlap is common in mRNA technology, requiring careful FTO analysis.
3. How does the patent impact mRNA vaccine development in Europe?
It grants Moderna exclusive rights to specific modified mRNA sequences and delivery systems for a granted period, requiring competitors to design around these claims or seek licensing.
4. What is the patent’s geographic scope?
European Patent EP4243831’s protection applies across EPC member states, subject to extension, translation, and national validation procedures.
5. Will this patent influence global mRNA patent strategies?
Yes; European patents often reflect broader international patenting trends, especially as companies seek patent protection across multiple jurisdictions.
References
- European Patent Office (2023). EP4243831 Patent Document. Retrieved from the EPO registry.
- Moderna Inc. (2022). PCT Application WO2021240964 filed by Moderna. [Online].
- US Patent and Trademark Office. (2021). US10721036B2. Moderna’s patent on modified mRNA nucleosides.
- BioNTech SE. (2022). Patent application on lipid nanoparticle delivery systems.
- European Patent Office. (2022). Patent landscape reports on mRNA vaccine patents.
