Arbutus Biopharma Corp on Monday sued Moderna Inc in Delaware federal court, claiming Moderna's COVID-19 vaccine infringes its patents. Arbutus and Genevant Sciences said in the lawsuit that Arbutus' technology for delivering mRNA was responsible for Moderna's ability to get its vaccines out in record time. Arbutus and Genevant, a joint venture between Arbutus and Roivant Sciences Ltd, told the court that the lawsuit was necessary because Moderna had "consistently declined to engage meaningfully in licensing discussion." Shares of Arbutus were down about 2.5% while Moderna was up 0.6% in late afternoon trading. "Moderna denies these allegations, and will vigorously defend itself against Genevant's claims in Court," a Moderna spokesperson said in an e-mailed statement to Reuters.