Welcome to the Big Molecule Watch!

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Goodwin’s award-winning Big Molecule Watch is the best resource for daily updates and analyses of regulatory issues, litigation, legislation, and other news in the world of biologics, biosimilars and related technologies. The editors of this blog have collectively been watching and engaging with the world of biologics and biosimilars (“big molecules”) since before the inception of the biosimilar industry in the U.S.  With extensive experience representing clients at all stages of a biologic’s or biosimilar’s lifecycle, from research and development, to patents, to regulatory application and approval, and through litigation and appeals, we are excited to share our observations and insights as the industry and the law continues to develop in this exciting area.

This blog focuses on “big molecules” as opposed to “small molecules.” Small molecule drugs have low molecular weight, a simple and well-defined structure, and are chemically synthesized. In contrast, “big molecule” drugs have high molecular weight, complex structures, and are derived from living organisms. For example, aspirin is small molecule while a monoclonal antibody is a big molecule. For further reading on big molecules, consider FDA's resources on biologics.

Celltrion Announces Commercial Availability of ZYMFENTRA™ (infliximab-dyyb)

Celltrion USA announced on March 18, 2024, the availability of ZYMFENTRA™ (infliximab-dyyb), a subcutaneous (SC) formulation of infliximab.  ZYMFENTRA™, approved by the FDA in October 2023, is the first FDA-approved SC infliximab for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis and moderately to severely active Crohn’s disease, with…

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Updates on Aflibercept BPCIA Litigation

Regeneron’s request for multi-district litigation As we previously reported, on January 11, 2024, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (“Regeneron”) filed a motion seeking to establish a multi-district litigation (“MDL”) encompassing the aflibercept BPCIA cases it has filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of West Virginia and transfer its case against…

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Fresenius Kabi Announces FDA Approval of TYENNE, a Tocilizumab Biosimilar Referencing ACTEMRA

On March 7, Fresenius Kabi announced that the FDA has approved its tocilizumab biosimilar, TYENNE (tocilizumab-aazg) for inflammatory and immune diseases indications including rheumatoid arthritis, giant cell arteritis, polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis.  TYENNE is the second FDA approved biosimilar of ACTEMRA (following Biogen’s TOFIDENCE (tocilizumab-bavi)…

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Biocon Settles with Bayer and Regeneron, Securing Canada Market Entry Date for Aflibercept Biosimilar

On March 4, Biocon Biologics Ltd. announced it has signed a settlement agreement with Bayer Inc. and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. regarding YESAFILI, Biocon’s proposed biosimilar to EYLEA (aflibercept). The settlement resolves multiple patent infringement proceedings in the Federal Court of Canada. Under the agreement, Biocon can launch YESAFILI in Canada…

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Biocon Settles with Janssen, Securing U.S. Market Entry Date for Ustekinumab Biosimilar

On February 29, Biocon Biologics Ltd announced that it signed a settlement and license agreement with Janssen Biotech Inc. and Johnson & Johnson (“J&J”) regarding Bmab 1200, Biocon’s proposed biosimilar to STELARA.  The agreement allows Biocon to launch in the United States in February 2025, pending FDA approval.  As part…

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Teva and Alvotech’s Adalimumab Biosimilar Receives Interchangeable Status at FDA

On February 23rd, 2024, Alvotech and Teva announced FDA’s approval of SIMLANDI (adalimumab-ryvk), the first high-concentration and citrate-free biosimilar interchangeable with Humira. SIMLANDI injection was approved for nine indications—rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, Crohn’s Disease, ulcerative colitis, plaque psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurative, and uveitis. The approval follows…

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Post-Trial Updates on Regeneron v. Mylan (Aflibercept) BPCIA Litigation

Appeals from and redacted memorandum and opinion in support of judgment in Regeneron v. Mylan (aflibercept) BPCIA case filed As we previously reported, trial in Regeneron Pharmaceutical, Inc.’s BPCIA case against Mylan Pharmaceuticals Inc. and Biocon Biologics, Inc. (collectively, “the Biocon Defendants”) regarding the Biocon Defendants’ proposed aflibercept biosimilar concluded…

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