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.

Biosimilar and Biologic Updates in China: Bevacizumab, Etanercept, Tislezumab, Infliximab, Eculizumab, Adalimumab

The past few weeks have seen the following biosimilar developments in China: On December 16, 2019, Qilu Pharmaceutical received approval in China for ANKADA, a biosimilar to AVASTIN (bevacizumab). ANKADA has been approved to treat advanced, metastatic or recurrent non-small-cell lung cancer and metastatic colorectal cancer. On December 30, 2019,…

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Federal Circuit Affirms Biosimilar-Related IPR Appeals; Bevacizumab Injunction Appeal Progresses

Below we provide an update on some recent developments from this and recent weeks in biosimilar-related cases on appeal before the Federal Circuit. Genentech v. Hospira & U.S., Fed. Cir. Case No. 18-1933 – protein purification method IPR appeal Today, the Federal Circuit issued a 2-1 opinion affirming a 2018…

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Immunex and Samsung Bioepis Seek to Stay Etanercept Biosimilar Litigation (UPDATED)

This week, in the Immunex v. Samsung Bioepis BPCIA litigation regarding ETICOVO (etanercept-ykro), Samsung Bioepis’s biosimilar of ENBREL, the New Jersey district court entered a Consent Injunction Order that prohibits Samsung Bioepis from using, importing, offering to sell, or selling any etanercept product in the United States, except as allowed…

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DEAL WATCH: End-of-Year Biosimilar Agreements

Following the string of biosimilar agreements announced in early November, a number of additional transactions were announced in early December, bringing 2019 to a roaring close with global biosimilars deals. On December 1, 2019, Luye Pharma Group announced that it acquired Shandong Boan Biological Technology Co. Ltd. (Boan), strengthening its…

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Another Biosimilar Litigation Settlement: Amgen v. Tanvex (Filgrastim)

Following last month’s dismissal of the Amgen v. Kashiv filgrastim biosimilar litigation, yesterday Amgen and Tanvex filed a joint stipulation of dismissal in their BPCIA litigation concerning Tanvex’s filgrastim biosimilar candidate. The stipulation states that the parties agree “to the dismissal, without prejudice, of all remaining claims and counterclaims in…

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Biosimilar Clinical Trial Updates

Below are highlights of recent developments in biosimilar clinical trials. On December 9, Celltrion presented the results from a phase 3 clinical trial that demonstrated similar safety and efficacy of its TRUXIMA biosimilar to the reference product RITUXAN (rituximab) in patients with advanced follicular lymphoma (AFL). On December 10, Samsung…

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World Health Organization (“WHO”) Prequalifies Biosimilar Trastuzumab – WHO’s First Biosimilar

Today, the World Health Organization (“WHO”) prequalified Samsung Bioepis’s breast cancer biosimilar trastuzumab – WHO’s first biosimilar prequalification.  Prequalification is “a service provided by WHO to assess the quality, safety and efficacy of those products that address global public health priorities.”  The WHO noted that the global average price of…

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