Pfizer Shares Rebound Amid Legal Setback as Daily Volume Ranks 81st in Market Activity

On August 1, 2025, Pfizer (PFE) closed with a 0.86% gain, trading at a daily volume of $1.2 billion, ranking 81st in market activity. The pharmaceutical giant faced a legal setback as its joint venture with BioNTech lost an appeal at the UK Court of Appeal to invalidate Moderna’s mRNA vaccine patent. The High Court had previously ruled that Pfizer and BioNTech’s Comirnaty vaccine infringed on Moderna’s patent, entitling the rival to damages for sales post-March 2022. The companies contested the ruling, arguing the patent was invalid due to obvious advancements in prior mRNA technology. The decision reinforces Moderna’s intellectual property position in the mRNA space while exposing Pfizer to potential financial liabilities tied to ongoing Comirnaty sales.

The legal outcome introduces uncertainty for Pfizer’s profitability in the short term, particularly as patent disputes often trigger market volatility. While the stock’s modest rise suggests limited immediate investor concern, the ruling could escalate litigation costs or licensing negotiations. The pharmaceutical sector’s reliance on IP protections means such rulings often influence long-term competitive dynamics. However, the ruling does not directly impact Pfizer’s broader pipeline or revenue streams beyond the Comirnaty vaccine, which remains a smaller portion of its overall business.

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