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.

Judge Sets Trial Date in Janssen v. Celltrion Should Summary Judgment Be Denied

As we reported here, in the patent dispute between Janssen and Defendants Celltrion and Hospira relating to Inflectra® (infliximab-dyyb), a biosimilar of Remicade®, there are multiple motions for summary judgment pending before Judge Wolf in the District of Massachusetts. Both parties have filed competing summary judgment motions directed to damages issues. Additionally, Defendants have filed a motion…

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DEAL WATCH: Lupin and Mylan Announce Partnership to Commercialize Etanercept Biosimilar

Lupin Ltd. and Mylan N.V. both issued press releases today announcing a collaboration to commercialize a biosimilar to Amgen’s Enbrel® (etanercept).  Mylan will commercialize Lupin’s proposed etanercept biosimilar in Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Latin America, Africa and most markets throughout Asia. According to the press releases, Lupin successfully completed its…

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FDA Announces Early Communications Program

The FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) is launching a new program called INTERACT (INitial Targeted Engagement for Regulatory Advice on CBER ProducTs).  INTERACT meetings will replace pre-pre-IND meetings, but not formal product-specific meetings, such as pre-IND or pre-BLA meetings. According to the announcement, sponsors will be able to…

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Genentech Seeks to Dismiss and Strike Amgen's Counterclaims and Certain Defenses in Bevacizumab Biosimilar Litigation

As we previously reported, on May 22, 2018 in Genentech v. Amgen, which concerns Amgen’s Mvasi® (bevacizumab-awwb) biosimilar, Genentech filed a motion to dismiss and to strike Amgen’s counterclaims and certain affirmative defenses.  On June 19, 2018, after Amgen filed under seal an amended answer and counterclaim, Genentech filed updated…

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