Merck Faces Patent Lawsuit Over Easier-to-Use Keytruda

Merck headquarters in Rahway, New Jersey.

Photographer: Christopher Occhicone/Bloomberg
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A biotech company is suing Merck & Co. over its easier-to-use version of its blockbuster cancer treatment Keytruda, alleging the pharmaceutical giant violated its intellectual property.

Merck knowingly infringed Halozyme Therapeutics Inc.’s patents in crafting a version of Keytruda that can be administered as a shot rather than through an intravenous infusion, according to a lawsuit filed in the US District Court for the District of New Jersey on Thursday.