AbbVie and Alvotech Settle Over Alleged Stolen Trade Secrets on Blockbuster Humira

AbbVie has settled with Alvotech over allegations that the Icelandic drugmaker tried to market a biosimilar version of AbbVie’s blockbuster rheumatoid arthritis medicine Humira (adalimumab) after allegedly stealing trade secrets about the drug through an AbbVie ex-employee.

The settlement stipulates that AbbVie will grant Alvotech a nonexclusive license to its Humira-related patents in the U.S. — but not until July 1, 2023.

Alvotech will pay royalties to AbbVie for licensing the patents “and acknowledges the validity and enforceability of the licensed patents,” according to the deal.