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.

FDA accepts Mylan aBLA for pegfilgrastim biosimilar

Mylan N.V. and Biocon Ltd. have announced that the FDA has accepted Mylan’s Biologics License Application (BLA) for MYL-1401H, a proposed biosimilar to Amgen’s Neulasta®  (pegfilgrastim), for filing through the 351(k) pathway.  Mylan stated that the FDA goal date set under the Biosimilar User Fee Act (BsUFA) is Oct. 9,…

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Summary of Sandoz's Opening Brief in Sandoz v. Amgen

Sandoz filed its opening brief to the Supreme Court on Friday, February 10, 2017. The dispute focuses on the notice marketing provision and the information exchange or “patent dance” procedures of the Biologics Price Competition and Innovation Act (BPCIA). Sandoz’s opening brief addressed: Whether notice of commercial marketing given before…

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Briefing Complete in Appeal in Amgen v. Apotex

The parties in Amgen v. Apotex have completed briefing in Amgen’s appeal to the Federal Circuit from the district court’s judgment of noninfringment.  As we have previously reported, in September 2016 the District Court for the Southern District of Florida ruled that Apotex’s proposed filgrastim and pegfilgrastim products will not…

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Pfizer to Close Australian Plant

According to BioPharma-reporter, Pfizer will close the Australian plant at which Pfizer manufactures API for HSP-130, a biosimilar version of Amgen’s Neulasta, by 2021.  Pfizer will move production of the API to Croatia in an effort to consolidate manufacturing.  HSP130 is currently in clinical trials. Stay tuned to the Big…

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Update: Praluent® Injunction Stayed by Fed. Circuit

On February 8, the Federal Circuit issued a stay of the permanent injunction granted against the sale of Sanofi and Regeneron’s Praluent® (alirocumab).  The injunction was to have become effective on February 21, 2017, but as a result of the stay, the companies can continue marketing, selling and manufacturing Praluent® pending the appeal of the injunction order. Sanofi and Regeneron…

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Aurobindo Pharma Acquires Four Biosimilar Products from TL Pharmaceutical

On February 9, 2017, Aurobindo Pharma Limited announced that it acquired four biosimilar products, including a biosimilar of Bevacizumab, from TL Biopharmaceutical AG. TL Biopharmaceutical is to supply developmental data for each acquired molecule and Aurobindo will be responsible for development, commercialization and marketing activities. Aurobindo expects to conduct clinical…

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