The University of Iowa and its research foundation filed a federal lawsuit against Amgen Inc. alleging that the biotechnology company infringed upon two of its patents related to a tool used to enhance vaccine making.

The university’s research fund said it has granted 113 licenses related to the two patents, allowing research institutions and companies to use the inventions, and using the royalties to help sustain the university. It alleges Thousand Oaks-based Amgen and its affiliates have infringed upon the patents for years with “full knowledge” of them.

The two patented biotechnology tools are used to promote gene expression and production of proteins that are important in the production of many drugs on the market, including Amgen’s arthritis drug Enbrel, the suit contends.

An Amgen spokesman said the company does not believe it had violated the school’s patent and will fight the suit.

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