Federal Jury Awards $4 Million to Yale University and Biohaven in Trade Secret Misappropriation Case Against Avilar Therapeutics and RA Capital
A federal jury ruled that Avilar Therapeutics and RA Capital willfully misappropriated a trade secret developed at Yale related to the MODA targeted protein degradation platform. The verdict, issued on July 24, 2026, awarded $4 million in damages — $1 million each for trade secret theft to Biohaven (NYSE: BHVN) and Yale University, plus an additional $2 million to Yale for breach of contract by RA Capital. The case stemmed from a confidentiality agreement between Yale and RA Capital signed in 2019. After negotiations failed, Biohaven and Yale alleged that RA Capital used confidential information shared during those discussions with Avilar Therapeutics — which it helped establish later the same year — to develop competing technology instead of forming an industry partnership. Biohaven CEO Dr. Vlad Coric praised the jury's decision as validation of their claims against improper use of intellectual property, while Yale emphasized its commitment to fostering innovation through trusted academic-industry collaborations.
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Topics: biotech jury verdict litigation trade secrets