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.

Coherus Files Two More Petitions for IPR of Abbvie's '619 Humira Patent

Coherus Biosciences has filed two petitions for inter partes review of Abbvie’s U.S. Patent 9,085,619.  (IPR2017-01008 and IPR2017-01009).  Coherus recently filed four other petitions for inter partes review of the ‘619 patent, as we’ve reported.  Those cases are pending an institution decision. According to the petitions, the ‘619 patent is drawn…

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Coherus Announces Humira Biosimilar Pk Clinical Bioequivalence Results

Yesterday, Coherus announced that CHS-1420, its proposed biosimilar of Humira® (adalimumab), met the primary endpoint in a clinical pharmacokinetic (PK) bioequivalence study that compared CHS-1420 to Humira. According to Coherus, the study showed clinical PK similarity on all prospectively defined PK endpoints. It was reported that both agents were well tolerated and that…

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First Biosimilar in Oncology, Truxima, Granted Marketing Approval in European Union

We previously reported that the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) had recommended that the European Medicine Agency (EMA) grant marketing approval for Truxima (CT-P10), Celltrion Healthcare’s biosimilar of Roche’s monoclonal antibody product MabThera (rituximab). Last week, the EMA authorized Truxima for all the approved therapeutic indications of…

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Delaware District Court Dismisses Genentech v. Amgen

As we previously reported, yesterday Judge Sleet, United States District Court for the District of Delaware, heard arguments on Amgen’s motion to dismiss in Genentech v. Sandoz.  The court orally granted Amgen’s motion under the Federal Circuit’s holding in Amgen v. Sandoz.  The court dismissed Genentech’s complaint in its entirety without prejudice and with leave to amend…

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Genentech v. Amgen: Amgen Seeks Dismissal Under Amgen v. Sandoz

As we previously reported, Genentech earlier this month filed a declaratory judgment action against Amgen.  In this litigation, Genentech claims that Amgen has violated the patent dance provisions of the BPCIA by disclosing its aBLA for a proposed biosimilar of Genentech’s Avastin® (bevacizumab) but refusing to provide additional manufacturing information…

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PTAB Institutes Review of Biogen's Rituximab Patent

The PTAB has granted Celltrion’s petition for inter partes review of Biogen’s U.S. Patent 7,820,161.  (IPR2016-01614)  The patent is drawn to methods of treating rheumatoid arthritis by administration of rituximab.  Rituximab is sold by Biogen and Genentech under the trade-name Rituxan®.  Rituxan is FDA approved to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, chronic…

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Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, National Association of Chain Drug Stores, and Healthcare Supply Chain Association file Amicus Brief in Sandoz v. Amgen

As we have previously reported, in April the Supreme Court will hear arguments regarding the Federal Circuit’s interpretation of the BPCIA’s notice of commercial marketing requirement and patent dance provisions.  As we reported last week, several amicus briefs in support of Sandoz were filed last week. The amicus brief, filed by…

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